Ankara, Türkiye - After months of extensive consultations with 61 governmental divisions, including line ministries, 63 civil society organizations and universities, and 16 private sector entities, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Türkiye convened a high-level consultation in Ankara on February 26, 2025, to engage stakeholders in shaping the vision for the 8th Country Programme (2026–2030) around demographic resilience. Co-hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' General Directorate of International Economic Affairs, the meeting brought together governmental institutions and Member States representatives of the UNFPA Executive Board and other diplomatic representatives in Türkiye. The meeting helped shape UNFPA’s strategic direction on demographic resilience and its role in supporting Türkiye’s development over the next five years.

As UNFPA enters its 54th year in Türkiye, it remains committed to leveraging global best practices and its network of technical expertise to advance demographic resilience in alignment with national priorities. Through the 8th Country Programme, UNFPA will take on a cross-sectoral approach - spanning governance, education, health, and protection - focused on human capital development, particularly for women and youth, with special attention to vulnerable groups. By harnessing the opportunities presented by demographic transition, this approach aims to foster sustainable economic and social development, ensuring a resilient, prosperous, and equitable society.

In her opening remarks, Mariam Khan, UNFPA Türkiye Representative, stressed, “As we navigate demographic shifts, we will enhance data-driven policies that put people at the core of our efforts, ensuring that no one is left behind as we work toward a more resilient and inclusive future for all.”

The co-host of the event, Ambassador Aylin Sekizkök, Director General for International Economic Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated, “Understanding demographic dynamics is key to shaping the future of societies. UNFPA’s expertise in this area is invaluable to Türkiye’s long-term development strategies."

Babatunde Ahonsi, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Türkiye, added, “To address the challenges ahead, we need to invest in people—empowering them with the tools and resources they need to make informed decisions about their future.”

During the consultation meeting, Zeynep Başarankut Kan, UNFPA Türkiye’s Assistant Representative and Head of Programmes, presented an overview of Türkiye’s current demographic situation, the challenges ahead, and UNFPA’s strategic vision. She outlined the cross-cutting nature of the program, which incorporates various sectors including health, education and protection. All sourced and validated through the elaborate consultations with sectors and relevant stakeholders.

The representatives of UNFPA’s key development and humanitarian partners also shared their reflections on UNFPA’s vision for the next five years and the significance of collaboration. In their speeches, Ambassador of Sweden Malena Mard, Ambassador of Korea Yeondoo Jeong, Ambassador of Ireland Clare Brosnan, Deputy Head of Mission of the Netherlands Nathalie Lintvelt and Director General of Sectors and Public Investments from Presidency of Strategy and Budget Faruk Cirit expressed their commitment to supporting Türkiye’s efforts in achieving demographic resilience. They emphasized the shared responsibility of the national and international community to work towards sustainable development, particularly in promoting equality, empowering women, girls and young people with equal rights and opportunities to take control of their choices and futures. 

During its 7th country programme (2021-2025), UNFPA has: 

• Supported some 700,000 people in health and well-being, managed more than 120 service units, and provided around 160,000 health kits and medical equipment.
• Collaborated with more than 120+ large corporations on the elimination of violence against women, and health promotion as part of its efforts in partnership with the private sector.
• Trained approximately 10,000 health service providers to enhance service quality
• Implemented more than 20 research studies on health, production, population and development
• Engaged with millions online especially youth on topics of health, dignity and protection and rights

Moving forward, UNFPA Türkiye will work closely with the Government to finalise the design of the next cycle of cooperation.