The 20th Anatolian Gatherings, organized by the Anatolian Federation, has begun welcoming participants under the theme “The Century of Türkiye and Civil Diplomacy.”
This year, centered around the main theme of “The Century of Türkiye and Civil Diplomacy,” the organization focuses on the role of civil society in global crises and a vision of humanitarian diplomacy for the future. Bringing together leading academics, bureaucrats, and representatives of civil society organizations in Ankara from August 10-14, the gathering evaluates current developments in the field of civil society while also presenting a broad vision for Türkiye’s future.
CIVIL DIPLOMACY HAS BECOME A PRINCIPAL ACTOR
The first day of the gathering began with the recitation of the Holy Quran, followed by welcoming speeches from İnönü University Rector Nusret Akpolat and Nazım Liçina, President of the Association of Türkiye Graduates in Serbia (TÜMED). Turgay Aldemir, President of the Anatolian Federation, delivered a speech titled “The Century of Türkiye and Civil Diplomacy” in the first session of the gathering. Stating that the areas in which states can produce solutions on their own are gradually narrowing in a period of changing balances of power, increasing wars, and growing migration movements, Aldemir emphasized the importance of civil society organizations. Aldemir stated that crises are becoming increasingly interconnected and rapidly spreading to different geographies around the world, and noted that civil diplomacy has become a principal diplomatic actor in sustaining international interaction.
PUBLIC DIPLOMACY IS EVERYONE’S CONCERN
The other speaker of the first session was Deputy Minister of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Türkiye, Dr. Serdar Çam. Speaking under the title “Public and Cultural Diplomacy in the Century of Türkiye,” Çam stated that public diplomacy should not be limited to the efforts of official institutions alone, and that the involvement of every individual and civil society organization in this process is of great importance. In the speech, it was emphasized that Türkiye’s historical depth and geographical richness are among its most powerful diplomatic tools, while cultural interaction was described as the most effective bridge for eliminating prejudices between countries.
During the sessions that will continue throughout the week, topics such as the collapse of the global system, major migration competition, regional conflicts, invisible diplomacy, diaspora networks, humanitarian aid, and peacebuilding will be addressed from multiple perspectives by experts in their respective fields. In addition, the 6th Children’s Gatherings are taking place simultaneously. Apart from the main sessions, consultation meetings of units within the Anatolian Federation are also being held in different halls.
