UNDP and Swedish Embassy delegations discussed sustainable recovery with the Governor and Mayor of Kilis, and visited women who rebuilt their businesses with the support of UNDP’s Sweden-funded grant programme 

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Türkiye Resident Representative Monica Merino and Swedish Ambassador Malena Mård led a high-level visit to Kilis, one of Türkiye’s earthquake-affected provinces, on 11 March 2025, reaffirming commitment to recovery efforts and socio-economic development. 

The visit, which included meetings with local authorities, civil society, and beneficiaries of Sweden-funded UNDP initiatives, underscored the importance of sustainable recovery and resilience-building in the region.

The delegation, including senior officials from the Swedish Embassy and UNDP, held high-level meetings in Kilis with the Governor Tahir Şahin and the Mayor Hakan Bilecen, discussing ongoing recovery projects and future collaboration for the province’s economic revitalization.

Merino and Mård also visited two women-led businesses supported through UNDP’s Sweden-funded grant programme, which showcase the resilience and entrepreneurship of earthquake-affected communities. Ayşegül Hayta, founder of Fersis Food Industry and Trade Inc., specializes in olive oil production, while Nuriye Tohumcu runs a curtain and bedding manufacturing business where she uses traditional stitching techniques. These women are among the 27 beneficiaries of the grant programme in Kilis, emphasizing the role of women in economic recovery. Thanks to these grants, 4,620 small businesses resumed their operations in 11 earthquake-affected provinces, strengthening economic resilience.