LocationsUNDP’s Resident Representative in Türkiye makes first visit to the earthquake region
December 17, 2024
Monica Merino reiterates UNDP’s strong commitment to support recovery, revive livelihoods and restore services for vulnerable groups in the earthquake-affected provinces
Ms. Monica Merino, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Resident Representative in Türkiye made her first visit to the earthquake-affected provinces of Gaziantep, Kahramanmaraş and Hatay, after taking office in November 2024.
The visit took place on 11-13 December 2024, and Merino met with UNDP’s partners, provincial and local authorities and chambers of commerce and industry. Fruitful discussions on the recovery and reconstruction process of the region, and UNDP's development response took place. Official meetings with Governor Kemal Çeber and Metropolitan Municipality Deputy Mayor Hakan Aslansoy in Gaziantep, with Governor Mükerrem Ünlüer and Metropolitan Municipality Secretary General Rüstem Keleş in Kahramanmaraş, and with Governor Mustafa Masatlı and Metropolitan Municipality Secretary General Hayrettin Güngör in Hatay were held.
In Gaziantep, Merino visited Merveşehir Public Education Center, which provides vocational training and skills development courses. The center was built in 2021 with joint efforts of UNDP and the General Directorate of Lifelong Learning of the Ministry of National Education with funding from the European Union.
Merveşehir Public Education Center in Gaziantep
Merveşehir Public Education Center in Gaziantep
Merino visited the Women's Business Development Center (KİGEM) in Kahramanmaraş, established in partnership with the Kahramanmaraş Chamber of Commerce and Industry and NGO Needs Map with the financial support of France. The center will serve as an incubator for women-headed businesses and offer training, coaching and mentorship for promising women entrepreneurs.
Women's Business Development Center (KİGEM) in Kahramanmaraş
Women's Business Development Center (KİGEM) in Kahramanmaraş
Merino visited the Accessible Community Center in Hatay, established and equipped by UNDP with funding from the United Kingdom. This center, managed by the Hatay Metropolitan Municipality provides essential social care services for persons with disabilities and the elderly.
Accessible Community Center in Hatay
Accessible Community Center in Hatay
UNDP will continue to lead social and economic recovery efforts, focusing on restoring livelihoods and reviving business activity, supporting women entrepreneurs, restoring services for vulnerable groups like persons with disabilities, and restoring the region’s unique and diverse cultural heritage.
For more information: Bahar Paykoç, Communications Officer, bahar.paykoc@undp.org
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