Istanbul Initiative is a global network of NGOs dedicated to advocating for prevention and recovery efforts. Launched with its first summit in 2019, the initiative focuses on preventing addictions and developing sustainable public health policies. The 5th Istanbul Initiative Summit was held on October 8-9, 2024, ahead of World Mental Health Day. This two-day hybrid event was held at the headquarters of the Turkish Green Crescent Society, with more than 50 participants from over 30 countries. During the 5th Istanbul Initiative Meeting, Country Green Crescents also participated and shared their knowledge and experiences in the field of addiction from Jordan, Albania, Somalia, and Ethiopia, South Africa, and Nigeria. Representatives from various countries delivered impactful presentations on addiction prevention strategies and successful practices. The event concluded with closing speeches from Türkiye's Minister of Family and Social Services, Ms. Mahinur Özdemir Göktaş, and the Deputy President of the Turkish Green Crescent Society, Ms. Sümeyye Ceylan. With its commitment to collaboration and innovative approaches, the Istanbul Initiative remains a key platform for advancing efforts in addiction prevention and public health worldwide.

On August 21, 2024, the 5th Youth Advocacy Forum was held, bringing together young participants aged 18-30 from various countries. The forum, which focused on the theme of "Electronic Cigarettes and Electronic Products" was also graced by the presence of representatives from different Green Crescent organizations. Among them, Muhammad Galaev, Head of the Youth Information Block at Dagestan Green Crescent, delivered a remarkable and insightful speech, drawing attention to his personal experiences. In his address, Mr. Galaev reflected on his participation in the 67th Session of the United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND), which was organized by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). He shared key moments from a particularly meaningful side event he attended, titled “The Role of Sports and Mental Health in Preventing Addiction.” His reflections underscored the importance of promoting mental well-being and encouraging active lifestyles as effective strategies in protecting individuals from substance abuse. Moreover, Mr. Galaev took the opportunity to express his heartfelt appreciation for the unwavering support provided by the International Federation of Green Crescent Societies during the CND. He emphasized how the Federation’s presence and contributions at such global platforms enhance the visibility of civil society’s role in advocating for healthier, addiction-free communities. The forum proved to be a significant platform for young advocates, allowing them to exchange experiences, raise awareness on pressing issues like electronic nicotine delivery systems, and discuss collaborative solutions aimed at preventing addiction in future generations.

Technology Addiction and Online Gaming webinar was held for Country Green Crescents! In collaboration with the International Federation of Green Crescents (IFGC) and the Turkish Green Crescent Counseling Center (YEDAM), Addressing Technology Addiction and Online Gaming: Insights from the Green Crescent Counselling (YEDAM) Model with Case Study Applications titled webinar was held online on September 26, 2024 for Country Green Crescents. In the webinar YEDAM experts shared intervention programs and case studies on internet and online gaming addiction with representatives and volunteers from various Country Green Crescents. They also underlined the effects of technology addiction and online gaming, risk factors, and treatment methods. The webinar aimed to raise awareness about internet addiction and assist Green Crescent representatives in other countries gain insight from YEDAM's Model.

The International Federation of Green Crescent hosted an online training session regarding the Green Crescent Addiction Prevention Practitioner Training Program for Country Green Crescents from July 24-26. Expert volunteers from 19 countries, including Austria, Azerbaijan, Botswana, Palestine, Gambia, South Africa, Kyrgyzstan, TRNC, North Macedonia, Malaysia, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Rwanda, Serbia, Somalia, Tanzania, Greece and Zimbabwe, participated in the training program. By the end of the program, 50 participants earned certification as Green Crescent Addiction Prevention Training Program practitioners.

Green Crescent provides scholarship support to master's, doctoral and medical residency students conducting thesis research on tobacco-cigarettes, alcohol, drugs, technology, gambling and other addiction forms at universities, institutes and research centers outside of Türkiye and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC). The aim is to contribute to Green Crescent's areas of addiction research.Green Crescent aims to be a source for national and international efforts against addiction, fostering scientific research to contribute to addiction literature, aid in the development of policies and action plans, and support the growth of young researchers. To achieve this goal, Green Crescent has launched the International Graduate Thesis Research Scholarship Support Program, starting in 2024, to provide support for qualitative and quantitative research in many fields from health sciences to social sciences. The scholarship program offers a total of USD 3600 for master's students and USD 7200 for doctoral and medical residency students. The application deadline for the program is June 30, 2024.Green Crescent’s International Graduate Thesis Research Scholarship Support Program will consider thesis research in the following areas: Tobacco Use and Addiction Drug Use and Addiction Alcohol Use and Addiction Technology Use and Addiction Gambling and other forms of behavioral addiction In the 2024/U1 Period International Graduate Thesis Research Scholarship Support Program, Green Crescent will provide scholarship support in line with its strategic plan and goals for research in the specified following areas:Alcohol Addiction Evaluations of the effectiveness of alcohol consumption prevention efforts among young people National and international legal regulations on alcohol consumption and implementation results The effect of family values on alcohol consumption The effect of alcohol industry activities on alcohol addiction The effect of alcohol on public health in the context of violence and traffic accidents The effects of alcohol use in OECD countries in the context of developed and developing countries Problems caused by alcohol use in traffic The activities of the alcohol industry on social media platforms The effect of the pandemic period on alcohol addiction Tobacco Addiction Studies on the frequency of use of electronic cigarettes/heated tobacco products Etiological studies on electronic cigarettes/heated tobacco products Assessments of knowledge, attitude and behavior on the use of electronic cigarettes/heated tobacco products The effects of electronic cigarettes/heated tobacco products on human health Assessments of knowledge, attitudes and behaviors related to hookah use Evaluations of the effectiveness of tobacco use prevention efforts Studies on the effects of flat packaging Evaluations of the effectiveness of smoking cessation services on a national and international basis. National and international legal regulations on the consumption of tobacco products and implementation results Regional activities of the tobacco industry and their impact on consumption behavior Comparative studies examining the transposition of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control into domestic legal systems Studies examining the opinions of smokers and health sector workers on the inclusion of electronic cigarettes in smoking cessation practices Studies on passive smoking Studies on tobacco control policy instruments in Türkiye and the world (e.g. price and taxation, sales procedures, age restrictions, etc.) The effect of the pandemic period on tobacco addiction Studies examining the relationship between infectious diseases and tobacco products Ethical problems that will arise from the tobacco industry's positioning in the health sector (with new statuses such as pharmaceutical companies) Current status, setbacks and needs in smokefree airspace implementations Research examining the reasons for the recent increase in the prevalence of tobacco use among women in all age groups Studies investigating compliance with smoke-free airspaces Drug Addiction Investigating factors influencing the use of different drugs Etiological studies on the causes of drug addiction Studies on the frequency of cannabis use among university youth/ Studies on the frequency of drug use among university youth Evaluations of the effectiveness of activities to prevent drug use among youth The effects of drug use/multiple drug use on public health (e.g. unemployment, discord in family life, dropping out of education, etc.) Studies to develop reintegration models that would enable individuals with a history of drug abuse/addiction to take part in business life Examination of trends in the misuse and abuse of prescribed medicines Studies for the development of analytical methods for the detection of new psychoactive/drug substances Studies that examine regional trends in the legalization of drugs Studies comparing the  drug policies of Türkiye with those of regional and global organizations Studies examining the role of civil society organizations in the fight against drug addiction in the context of international examples Problems caused by drug use in traffic Studies investigating the abuse of addictive drugs and active substances in the health sector The effects of the pandemic on drug addiction Prodrug use and preventive studies Drug use in women/pregnant women and its effect on infants/neonatal mortality Investigating the effects of parental drug use on children and the family structure Investigating the frequency and reasons for drug use among children/youth raised without parents Drug use among disadvantaged individuals and examples of preventive good practices Behavioral Addictions (Studies on digital gaming, gambling, excessive use of social media, excessive use of smartphones and online pornography) Etiological studies on the causes of behavioral addictions (Example: Genetic factors, psychopathology, environmental factors, peer relationships, mental resilience, etc.). Studies on the prevalence of behavioral addictions on a large scale National/international policies and legal regulations on behavioral addictions DSM-5 or ICD-11 based scale development studies on behavioral addictions Studies on the treatment of behavioral addictions (psychotherapy and medical/pharmacological treatment) Studies examining the relationship between digital game addiction and gambling addiction The effects of the pandemic on behavioral addictions Studies supporting the conscious use of technology in school-age children General Studies that examine the effectiveness of psychotherapeutical approaches in addiction treatment practices Studies that examine the moral and philosophical dimensions of addictions Studies that examine the relationship between family relationships and addiction processes (e.g. domestic violence, etc.) Spirituality-based approaches in prevention and treatment practices related to addictions Social work activities related to addictions Comparisons of the social policies among countries on addiction Substance abuse and addictions in the workplace (alcohol, illicit substances, digital gaming and gambling addiction) Examining the effectiveness of prevention activities related to addiction Studies that examine the level of knowledge and attitudes of healthcare professionals regarding addictions Possible effects of energy drinks on young people Studies examining the relationship between addiction and criminal behavior Relationship between consumption and addiction Relationship between addiction and venues Social and economic impacts of practices and policies related to addictions Examination of the changes in the social and emotional behavior of individuals (adolescents, young people) under treatment and intervention: Longitudinal study For detailed information on the 2024/U1 Period International Graduate Thesis Research Scholarship Support Program, you can refer to the application guide provided below. The scholarship results are expected to be announced within a minimum of 3 months from the application deadline.For further inquiries, you can contact scholarship@yesilay.org.tr for detailed information.International Scholarship Application Guide:https://www.yesilay.org.tr/assets/uploads/pdf/international-scholarship-application-guide-v2.pdf International Graduate Thesis Research Scholarship Support Program Application Form:https://www.yesilay.org.tr/assets/uploads/pdf/international-graduate-thesis-research-scholarship-support-program-application-form.docx 

The Country Green Crescents celebrate the 104th year of Green Crescent Week and the birth of the Green Crescent Movement! With their stance for  a healthy life, Green Crescents continue to enhance the quality of a better future for millions of people. On the occasion of Green Crescent Week, we will continue to join hands and take stronger steps together. "Whereever there is a Green Crescent, there is life!" Click here to watch Green Crescents' wishes.

The International Federation of Green Crescent recently held its inaugural webinar, titled "The Art of Fundraising," as part of its Capacity Building Program. This initiative aims to help Country Green Crescents more effectively access international and regional funding sources. The webinar, held on December 21, 2023, brought together 55 representatives from 24 countries and featured insights from five distinguished speakers across two sessions. The first session, "Fundraising Strategies and Opportunities for NGOs", included presentations by Matej Kosir from UTRIP and Jan Peloza from Impact Hub. The second session, "Empowering Fundraising Capacity in NGOs," featured a presentation by Dr. Mohammed Tariq Sonnan from UNODC. This was followed by exchanging experience from Dr. Ahmed Fairuz Bin Mohamed, President of Green Crescent Malaysia; Dr. Tajudeen Abiola, Secretary General of Green Crescent Nigeria; and Dr. Mousa Daoud, President of Green Crescent Jordan. In a poignant moment during the program, we honored Dr. Omar Farwana, President of Green Crescent Palestine, who tragically lost his life along with his family during the Gaza attacks on October 15. A commemoration speech and a short film were presented in his memory. The International Federation of Green Crescent will continue its webinar series under the Capacity Building Program, aiming to guide and support Country Green Crescents in effectively utilizing international and regional funding sources and enhancing their overall capacities.

In collaboration between the Faculty of Arts and Sciences Psychology Department at European University of Lefke and the Cyprus Turkish Green Crescent Association, an "Addiction" panel was organized. As part of the event, Clinical Psychologist Hatice Ünsaç and Specialist Psychologist Merih Göçmen from the Cyprus Turkish Green Crescent Association delivered presentations. Following Clinical Psychologist Hatice Ünsaç's presentation on addiction, its types, causes, negative effects, and possible treatments, Specialist Psychologist Merih Göçmen delivered a presentation on alcohol addiction. The speakers also provided information about the Green Crescent Crescent Counseling Center (YEDAM), which offers free services on addiction prevention.

Dr. Mousa Daoud, President of Jordan Green Crescent, presented "Jordan’s Experience and Practices towards Protecting and Reducing Public Tobacco Use" at the SESRIC online event, "Training on Protecting Non-Smokers and Reducing Tobacco Use in Public Places."

In collaboration with the Islamic Medical Association of Nigeria (IMAN), the Nigeria Green Crescent organized a workshop titled "Empowering Care: Fundamentals of Addiction Counseling Skills for Healthcare Professionals" at the 8th edition of the event. The workshop delved into topics such as the fundamentals of addiction, early detection signals, and motivational interviewing techniques.

Dr. Tajudeen Abiola, Secretary General of Nigeria Green Crescent, delivered a presentation titled "Driving Change Through Addiction Prevention Advocacy: Strategies For Lasting Impact And Effective Messaging" at the "Bi-monthly Webinar: ISSUP Nigeria Knowledge Update Series (Eighteenth Session)" organized by ISSUP.

Kalinaki Abubakar, Secretary General of Uganda Green Crescent, delivered a presentation titled “Uganda’s Experience and Practices towards Protecting and Reducing Public Tobacco Use” at the SESRIC online event, “Training on Protecting Non-Smokers and Reducing Tobacco Use in Public Places.”

In celebration of Hari Anti-Dadah (Drug-Free Day) 2023, Green Crescent Malaysia organized a cycling event in collaboration with Tuan Md Razif Bin Wan, Director of the National Anti-Drugs Agency (NADA WP) Kuala Lumpur.

Turkish Green Crescent has been included in the "2024 ZeroProject Shortlist" for its initiative to make its website and the educational content and materials of the Green Crescent Addiction Prevention Training Program accessible to individuals with visual or hearing impairments. This project has earned the organization the badge of recognition, signifying the (its) accomplishment.

Turkish Green Crescent organized the Green Crescent Addiction Prevention Practitioner Training Program in collaboration with the North Macedonia Green Crescent at the Turkish Maarif Foundation Schools in North Macedonia on August 28-29. The training was attended by preschool teachers, primary school teachers, and school counselors from the Turkish Maarif Foundation Schools in the region. By the end of the program, 50 participants were entitled to become practitioners.