New York, 16 September 2023 (TDI): The diplomatic representative of Turkey, Merve Keratepe addressed at the open debate on “Advancing Public-Private Humanitarian Partnership” on September 14, convened by the UN Security Council (UNSC).
The UNSC convened the open debate under the agenda item of maintenance of international peace and security.
The diplomatic representative of Turkey, Merve Keratepe during the open debate advocated Turkey’s contributions towards fulfilling global humanitarian needs to promote international peace and stability against the backdrop of public-private humanitarian partnership.
During the open debate, Merve Keratepe stated that Turkey has gained an advantage from its enterprising and humanitarian foreign policy but at the same time advocated for global cooperation and multilateralism.
In correspondence, she mentioned that in 2016, Turkey hosted the first-ever humanitarian summit, which served as a unique platform for governments, the United Nations, non-governmental organizations, and the private sector to negotiate.
She highlighted Turkey’s key role in the Black Sea Initiative which has ensured the export of over 33 million tons of grain and foodstuffs through commercial vessels.
In this regard, she stated, “The Initiative has proved to become a ‘textbook example’ of good public-private humanitarian partnership.”
She added that Ankara continues its efforts for the resumption of the Black Sea Initiative.
In specifying Turkey’s role towards humanitarian development she highlighted that Turkey is the co-founder of the United Nations Development Programme’s (UNDP) Istanbul International Centre for Private Sector in Development .
She added that Turkey is also the host of the Technology Bank for the least developed countries.
Furthermore, she mentioned that Turkey’s long-term recovery vision, set in the aftermath of the earthquake, is based on the principle of building back better.
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Theme of the debate
The open debate on public-private humanitarian partnership organized by UNSC on September 14, is one of the signature events of Albania’s September Security Council presidency.
The open debate was aimed to identify and advance public-private partnership solutions to promote international peace and security by addressing current and future humanitarian needs.
The debate was centered against the backdrop of unprecedented levels of humanitarian needs around the world that are driven by conflict, climate change, and the enduring effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
It was noted that if the foregoing humanitarian challenges are left unchecked, then it will threaten to further destabilize vulnerable regions and exacerbate conflict over scarce resources.
The open debate was chaired by Albanian Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Igli Hasani.
The Executive Director of the World Food Programme (WFP) Cindy H. McCain, CEO of the payment-processing corporation Mastercard, Michael Miebach, Co-Head of the Office of Applied Innovation, Jared Cohen, and President of Global Affairs at the investment bank Goldman Sachs voiced their concerns towards humanitarian challenges.
Along with that, 30 speakers shared their views and suggestions on how the private sector’s role in response operations could be further strengthened.
Also, many speakers underscored the importance of the knowledge and expertise, technology, financing, and investment that companies can provide in this cause.
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