The International Federation of Green Crescent (IFGC) is pleased to announce the return of the Green Crescent Addiction Prevention Training Program, a society-based global preventive training initiative. TBM has been updated to feature interactive, easy-to-apply, and dynamic content. Following its last online edition in July 2023, this will be the first international training delivered with the updated content. 📌 Training Date: 4–5 October 2025 | 09:30 to 17:15 Turkey Time (GMT+3). 📌 Deadline for submission: October 1, 2025 📌 Program agenda will be shared at a later date. 📌 Training program will be in English [Spontaneously translated to French by AI]. 📌Eligibilty Criteria   Country Green Crescent representatives Professionals working in collaboration with the IFGC, including psychologists, psychiatrists, healthcare workers, educators, related professionals. Applications from other professionals not currently working with IFGC or Country Green Crescents will be considered based on capacity. ADDICTION PREVENTION TRAINING PROGRAM The Green Crescent Addiction Prevention Training Program (TBM) is a primary prevention program developed by the Green Crescent in 2014, consisting of modules on technology, gambling, tobacco, alcohol, and substance addictions, and healthy living. It is designed to raise awareness across the whole society on these issues, with a special focus on children and young people, while also training volunteer trainers who can further disseminate the program. This training is open to Country Green Crescent representatives and professionals working in collaboration with the IFGC (psychologists, psychiatrists, healthcare workers, educators, and related professionals). Applications from other professionals not working in collaboration with the IFGC or the Country Green Crescents will be accepted based on capacity. Upon successful completion of the training, participants will be certified as practitioners of the program, authorized to deliver its content to their local participants. Following the training, all participants are expected to implement the TBM program in their communities. Their activities will be monitored once throughout the year to ensure effective application and continuity of the program. Aim The aim of TBM is to prevent alcohol, tobacco, substance, gambling and technology addictions and to raise awareness on healthy living among the entire society, especially children and youth. The objectives of the program are as follows: Raise society awareness of preventing addictions, Contribute to a safe, and healthy lifestyle in the society, Improve acknowledgment on alcohol, tobacco, substance use disorders, and other risky behaviours, gambling, and technology addictions, Advocate protective, and preventive approach. Train volunteer trainers to deliver and disseminate the program in their communities The Green Crescent Addiction Prevention Training Program provides modules designed for different stages, such as pre-school, primary school, secondary school, high school, and adults, starting from the age of 4. The TBM implementation materials were authored by renowned experts, and academics in the field. All TBM training content is based on solid, and reliable scientific foundations. Tools Books, guides, brochures, presentations, posters, short films, additional materials Distance learning system, Education Portal (tbm.org.tr), animations (videos) Outcomes Through the TBM Practitioner Training for Country Green Crescents, it is expected that participants will conduct local awareness trainings in their own countries using TBM modules, thereby expanding the program’s impact at the national level. The training also aims to strengthen the expert capacity of Country Green Crescents in delivering addiction-related education, while enhancing the international visibility and effectiveness of the Green Crescent. The program consists of the following sessions: Introduction to Green Crescent Prevention Efforts and TBM, Addictions in a Changing World, Chemical Addictions, Behavioral Addictions, Principles of Implementing Adult Training Content, Prevention Perspective and Healthy Living in Addictions, Applications of Adult Training Content, Effective Presentation Techniques, and Participant Presentation Practices. In this context, the training is designed not only to provide knowledge but also to improve participants’ skills in effective presentation techniques and adult education. Important NoteTo receive certification, participants must attend all training sessions and pass the final exam.     Addiction Prevention Training Program is free of charge.  If you have any questions about the program, you can contact us at info@ifgc.org   

On August 1, 2025, the Turkish Green Crescent Society hosted the third event of the project titled “Climate Diplomacy: The Legacy of COP29”, carried out in collaboration with the Green Moon Georgia (Georgia Green Crescent) and the Azerbaijani NGO Youth Association of Social Union (Gençlerin Töhfesi İctimai Birliği). The event took place at the Glass Pavilion (Camlı Köşk) and began with opening remarks delivered by Mr. Asim Veliyev, President of Youth Association of Social Union, and H.E. Dr. Mehmet Güllüoğlu, Vice President of the Turkish Green Crescent Society and Secretary General of the International Federation of Green Crescent. As part of the program, Mr. Kenan Murtuzov, Consul of Azerbaijan in Istanbul, and Ms. Mehseti Huseynova, President of the Food Safety Movement, shared insights into Azerbaijan's experience during the COP29 process. Mr. Perviz Memmedzade, Vice President of the Turkey-Azerbaijan Solidarity and Information Federation, and Mr. Rafet Ulutürk of the BulTurk Association emphasized the critical importance of NGO collaboration in climate diplomacy. Ms. Sedef Erçetin, Manager of International Cooperaiton at the Turkish Green Crescent Society, addressed the impact of addictions on environmental pollution and climate change in her speech. She also underlined the role of Green Crescent in international climate platforms. The event, which was attended by our distinguished guests and young volunteers, concluded with a plaque presentation ceremony and a Kahoot quiz competition.

The International Federation of Green Crescent (IFGC) and the Volunteer Management Unit hosted an international webinar titled “Strengthening Civil Society: The Turkish Green Crescent’s Volunteering Engagement Model and Communication Strategies for Global Impact” on July 24, 2025. Green Crescent representatives and volunteers from 23 countries joined the event online. Şule Yüsra Bozkuş from the Volunteer Management Unit delivered a comprehensive presentation on communication techniques that strengthen volunteer engagement, culturally sensitive practices and strategic steps to enhance global visibility. The session also addressed the importance of volunteering in civil society, the Turkish Green Crescent Society’s volunteer management approach, and communication strategies for building sustainable, value-based volunteer ecosystems in culturally diverse contexts. With the active participation of Country Green Crescents, the session was enriched by the exchange of good practices and experiences from different regions. The webinar was conducted in English and featured AI-supported simultaneous translation, enabling participants from French-speaking countries to actively join and engage in the session.