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Amb. Dr. Mehmet Güllüoğlu Highlights the Economic and Social Costs of Addiction at Second World Summit for Social Development

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05.11.2025

Amb. Dr. Mehmet Güllüoğlu Highlights the Economic and Social Costs of Addiction at Second World Summit for Social Development

The Second World Summit for Social Development, held on 5 November 2025 in Doha, Qatar under the auspices of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), brought together global leaders and experts to discuss inclusive and sustainable development. Among the distinguished participants was Amb. Dr. Mehmet Güllüoğlu, Secretary-General of the International Federation of Green Crescents (IFGC) and Vice President of the Turkish Green Crescent Society.

During the summit, Amb. Dr. Güllüoğlu delivered a two-minute intervention at the physical event organized by the Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Family and Social Services. In his remarks, he emphasized the central role of the family in preventing addiction and strengthening social resilience. Dr. Güllüoğlu underlined that “behind every resilient individual stands a strong and caring family,” describing the family as society’s most powerful protector. He highlighted the Turkish Green Crescent’s family-centered prevention model, stressing that prevention begins at home—with informed parents, connected families, and supportive communities. Addressing the challenges posed by digitalization, migration, and economic pressures, he called for holistic policy approaches that reinforce family well-being, emotional connection, and healthy digital habits.

In addition to his in-person contribution, Amb. Dr. Güllüoğlu participated in an online session, titled “Addressing the Economic and Social Costs of Addiction for Inclusive and Sustainable Development.” The session gathered international experts and partner organizations working in addiction prevention and social policy.

The session featured speakers including Mehmet Fatih Kılıç (Ministry of Family and Social Services, Republic of Türkiye), Yasmine Sabih (Al Najm), Matej Košir (UTRIP Institute), George Ochieng Odalo (Slum Child Foundation), and Michael Dean (Community Alliances for Drug-Free Youth – CADFY). They discussed the complex economic and social impacts of addiction, emphasizing the need for stronger, coordinated global action and sharing practical strategies to address these challenges.

In his contribution, Dr. Güllüoğlu emphasized that addiction must be addressed not only as a health concern but also as a major social and economic challenge affecting productivity, social cohesion, and sustainable development. He reaffirmed the IFGC’s commitment to fostering global partnerships that promote preventive education, community resilience, and inclusive policies aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

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The 79th World Health Assembly, convened in Geneva, Switzerland, brought together government delegations, United Nations agencies, international organizations and civil society actors to discuss global public health priorities. As the highest decision-making body of the World Health Organization, the Assembly serves as a key platform for international health diplomacy and cooperation on issues related to health systems, universal health coverage, mental health, pandemic preparedness and sustainable development. Held at the Palais des Nations from 18 to 23 May 2026, the Assembly provided an important opportunity for governments, experts and civil society organizations to exchange views on current global health challenges and strengthen international cooperation in the field of public health. Within this framework, the IFGC participated in the 79th World Health Assembly with a particular focus on addiction prevention and public health approaches. Representing 70 Country Green Crescent organizations, IFGC followed discussions related to public health policies and engaged in meetings and side events concerning addiction and preventive health services. A key highlight of IFGC’s participation was its contribution to the panel titled “From Commitment to Coverage, Integrating Substance Use into Universal Health Coverage,” hosted by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies on 20 May 2026. The panel brought together a wide range of stakeholders, including international organizations, public health experts and civil society organizations working in the field of chemical and behavioral addiction. Speaking on behalf of IFGC, Secretary General Ambassador Dr. Mehmet Güllüoğlu described addiction as a growing global public health challenge and emphasized that harm reduction approaches alone are not sufficient. IFGC shared recommendations including integrating addiction services into primary healthcare systems, recognizing prevention as an essential health service and strengthening protective public health policies. Throughout the Assembly, IFGC also held courtesy meetings with diplomatic representatives of Türkiye in Geneva. Within this scope, meetings were conducted on 21 May with Türkiye’s Permanent Representative to the World Trade Organization Hakan Çakıl and Consul General of Türkiye in Geneva Salih Boğaç Güldere. The International Cooperation and Federation Management Director Ergin Beceren of the The Turkish Green Crescent Society and Manager of the International Federation of Green Crescent, Sara Evli Özhan also met on 22 May with Alex Mejia, Director of the Social Development Division at the United Nations Institute for Training and Research. In addition, a courtesy meeting was held with Deputy Director of the Social Development Division Prof. Dr. Ebru Canan-Sokullu to assess ongoing and potential collaborations. Turkish Green Crescent Society also participated in WHA79 through the official delegation of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Türkiye. The delegation followed developments related to tobacco and alcohol control policies, mental health and addiction, engaged with international civil society organizations and member state representatives, and participated in side events focusing on scientific developments and good practices in the field of addiction prevention. Members of the Scientific Committee of Türkiye Yeşilay Cemiyeti, Prof. Hakan Coşkunol and Associate Professor Dr. Perihan Torun, also took part in the Assembly as part of the delegation.  

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