Minister of Family and Social Services Mahinur Özdemir Göktaş stated that the dynamism and diversity of civil society was very valuable and said, "The Ministry is working with the awareness that every step taken in the 100^th year of the Republic of Türkiye is a historical step. In this respect, I think that the workshop and the road map that will be shaped as a result of this workshop have a historical importance."

In her speech at the 100^th Anniversary Civil Society Vision Workshop organized by the Ministry of Family and Social Services and UNICEF in İstanbul, Minister Göktaş said that the meeting would discuss how to build a more effective civil society structure in today's and tomorrow's Türkiye.

Stating that every society had a past experience in charity and civil society activities, Göktaş said, "We have a rich heritage in terms of civil society. Indeed, the country has been trying to overcome the disaster of the century with the sacrifices of the century since being hit by the earthquakes centered in Kahramanmaraş on February 6 last year. We are trying to heal the wounds together. Public, private sector, civil society all arrived on the field together and strengthened each other."

Minister Göktaş stated that civil society was an area where the Ministry always worked closely and continued as follows:

" However, especially in emergencies such as disasters and earthquakes, cooperation becomes vital. According to the Turkish Disaster Response Plan (TAMP), the Ministry is responsible as the main solution partner for the coordination of psychosocial support services in disasters and emergencies. The Ministry is also responsible for the coordination of in-kind assistance in the field. We carry out the related services in disaster and emergency situations jointly with support solution partner institutions, organizations and CSOs."

"The contribution of each of the participants and the institutions represented is very valuable for us"

Emphasizing the critical importance of civil society's determination of demands for issues, voicing their demands and participation in policy-making processes, Göktaş stated that it was important for civil society organizations to be involved in policy-making processes in line with these demands.

Minister Göktaş stated that within the scope of the 12^th Development Plan covering the years 2024-2028, the Ministry started the preparations for the new period Civil Society Vision Document and Action Plan and said, "In the workshop and in subsequent studies, the Ministry will determine the strategies of the new period in the light of past experiences in order to increase cooperation with civil society. "The contribution of each of the participants and the institutions represented is very valuable for us."

Stating that the Ministry worked closely with all social stakeholders in all areas, Göktaş said:

"The past period has been a very productive period. Within the scope of the Civil Society Vision Document and Action Plan covering the years 2022-2023, which was announced to the public in 2022, the Ministry has carried out activities under 5 goals and 28 activities. Following the agenda of family counseling, services for children and women's empowerment, the Ministry convened the Social Stakeholders Cooperation Board. In 2021, the Ministry also started a series of meetings titled 'Civil Society Meetings', which continued in 2022 as 'Academy Meetings'. Academy meetings were organized on the themes of women, family, children, older persons and persons with disabilities."

In the workshop, the past period will be evaluated and the next period will be planned

Stating that the Ministry organized more than 250 thematic events with the participation of a wide range of stakeholders and civil society organizations, Göktaş said that the Ministry brought together 145 CSOs, 96 international organizations and 284 academics through reports, trainings and various programs.

Minister Göktaş stated that all these efforts aimed to ensure more effective participation of civil society organizations and other stakeholders in policy development processes.

Noting that the Ministry would evaluate the past period and plan the next period at the workshop, Göktaş continued her words as follows:

"Each session was structured to discuss the challenges faced in the sector, find solutions and shape policies in the field with the participation of experts in their fields. The impact of these workshops and consultations on the policy-making processes is becoming very big. Therefore, we attach great importance to the contribution of each participant. The dynamism and diversity of civil society are very valuable for us. The Ministry is working with the awareness that every step taken in the 100^th year of the Republic of Türkiye is a historical step. In this respect, I think that the workshop and the road map that will be shaped as a result of this workshop have a historical importance."

The workshop was also attended by Malti Gandhi, Deputy Representative of the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF).