MEETING OF THE LEADERS OF THE NATIONAL RED CRESCENT AND RED CROSS SOCIETIES WITHIN THE FRAMEWORK OF THE TURKIC RED NETWORK HELD IN ANKARA

On 29–30 October 2026, a meeting of the Council of Leaders of the National Red Crescent and Red Cross Societies was held in Ankara, Republic of Türkiye, within the framework of the regional humanitarian platform Turkic Red Network (TRN).

The event was organised with the support of the Turkish Red Crescent and brought together leaders and representatives of the National Societies of Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Türkiye and Uzbekistan, as well as representatives of Turkmenistan and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, which participate in the Network’s activities as observers.

The main objective of the meeting was to review the results of the Turkic Red Network’s humanitarian activities in 2026, strengthen regional cooperation among the National Societies and identify priority areas for joint work in the coming period.

During the sessions, participants reviewed humanitarian initiatives implemented within the Network, exchanged experience and good practices of the National Societies, and discussed opportunities to further develop joint projects and improve the effectiveness of humanitarian response in the region.

The Turkic Red Network was established on 10 October 2024 in Bishkek at the initiative of the National Red Crescent and Red Cross Societies of the member states of the Organization of Turkic States. The establishment of the Network was an important step in developing regional humanitarian partnership aimed at strengthening solidarity, coordination and mutual support among the National Societies.

The activities of the TRN are carried out in accordance with the Fundamental Principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and the Statutes of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).

The Network’s main areas of activity include:

• developing cooperation in disaster preparedness and response;
• exchanging experience, knowledge and good practices in the humanitarian field;
• strengthening the institutional capacity of the National Societies;
• developing joint humanitarian operations and initiatives;
• promoting humanitarian policy and strengthening regional partnership;
• developing youth engagement and volunteering.

Particular attention within the Network is given to engaging young people in humanitarian activities. In previous years, joint youth camps and experience-sharing programmes were organised to develop leadership skills and volunteer potential, as well as to strengthen ties among representatives of the National Societies.

One of the key outcomes of the meeting in Ankara was the unanimous adoption of the Turkic Red Network Action Plan for 2027, aimed at further strengthening regional humanitarian response capacity.

The priorities identified for the coming period include improving emergency management mechanisms, enhancing resilience to climate change, developing humanitarian policy, implementing youth-focused initiatives and strengthening the capacity of the National Societies.

An important event was the signing of the Ankara Declaration, reaffirming the participants’ commitment to further developing humanitarian cooperation, mutual support and regional solidarity.

The meeting also included a ceremony to transfer the chairmanship of the Turkic Red Network from the National Red Crescent Society of Azerbaijan to the Turkish Red Crescent. The chairmanship for the new period was assumed by the President of the Turkish Red Crescent, Professor Dr Fatma Meriç Yılmaz.

The participation of the National Red Crescent Society of Turkmenistan in the activities of the Turkic Red Network as an observer provides additional opportunities to expand professional contacts, exchange humanitarian experience and develop cooperation with the National Societies of the region.

Such meetings contribute to strengthening partnerships, developing joint approaches to addressing humanitarian challenges and enhancing the preparedness of the National Societies to respond to contemporary humanitarian needs.

By joining forces in the spirit of humanity, solidarity and mutual support, the National Red Crescent and Red Cross Societies continue to contribute to the development of regional humanitarian cooperation and to providing assistance to the most vulnerable groups of the population.