The International Federation of Green Crescent, in collaboration with Green Crescent Councling Center (YEDAM), hosted “The Role of Mindfulness-Based Interventions in Addiction Recovery” webinar on April 30, 2026. The online session brought together Green Crescent representatives and professionals from all around the world. The interactive one-hour webinar explored how addiction cycles are sustained by automatic thoughts and impulses, and how mindfulness-based approaches can help individuals recognize and interrupt these patterns. The session featured presentations by YEDAM Psychologist and Feride Yüksel Barış and YEDAM Social Worker Hilal Kurt Kavraz, who highlighted the role of mindfulness techniques in craving management, relapse prevention, and emotional regulation within YEDAM’s holistic psychosocial support model. Moderated by Alaa Khalid Jemal, a volunteer from the Ethiopian Green Crescent and a psychology student, the webinar also included a Q&A and open discussion segment, allowing participants to share experiences and best practices from their respective countries. The event aimed to strengthen international knowledge exchange and raise awareness of mindfulness-based interventions in addiction treatment, as part of ongoing efforts to enhance global cooperation in prevention and psychosocial support initiatives.       

The International Federation of Green Crescent (IFGC) took part in the 8th Global Alcohol Policy Conference (GAPC 2026), held in Rio de Janeiro, contributing to global discussions on alcohol policy with its public health-oriented approach and international experience in 8-10 April 2026. The conference brought together policymakers, researchers, and civil society representatives from around the world to address the growing challenges of alcohol-related harm and to promote evidence-based solutions.  As part of the participation, IFGC established an exhibition stand at the conference venue, where it showcased its global activities, partnerships, and ongoing efforts in the field of addiction prevention. The stand attracted considerable interest from participants and served as a platform to strengthen international cooperation and visibility.  During the conference, Ambassador Dr. Mehmet Güllüoğlu, Secretary General of IFGC and Vice President of the Turkish Green Crescent Society, delivered a presentation titled “Public Support for Alcohol Control Policies in Türkiye.” The presentation highlighted findings on public attitudes toward alcohol control measures, emphasizing the strong societal support for policies aimed at protecting public health, particularly among youth and vulnerable groups.  The conference also featured the participation of the Conectados Pela Vida (Green Crescent Brazil), with its President Dr. Alexandre Kieslich Da Silva, taking part in the sessions. In addition, Prof. Dr. Perihan Torun from the Turkish Green Crescent Society also participated the conference. The active engagement of IFGC and its network members underscored the Federation’s growing role in shaping international dialogue on alcohol policy.

The International Federation of Green Crescent (IFGC) has further strengthened its global presence through new Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) signed in Uruguay, Colombia, Ingushetia, Romania, and Singapore, marking an important step in the Federation’s expansion across 70 countries. In Uruguay, Colombia, Ingushetia, and Singapore, the MoUs were signed with designated country focal points, initiating the establishment processes of Country Green Crescents. These agreements represent the beginning of structured efforts to build locally rooted civil society organizations aligned with the Green Crescent model. In Romania, the MoU was signed with Asociația Aer Pur Romania, an established civil society organization active in the field of public health. Through this partnership, the organization has joined the IFGC network and committed to expanding its work across the five key areas of addiction—tobacco, alcohol, substance use, gambling, and technology—while aligning with IFGC’s holistic and evidence-based approach. Through prevention and rehabilitation-focused efforts, IFGC continues to foster coordinated, sustainable, and locally driven responses to addiction, reinforcing its mission to unite and empower civil society worldwide.