A meaningful call from the Green Crescents against addictions: We are stronger together

The International Federation of Green Crescents is bringing together experts from around the world and representatives from national Green Crescents in Istanbul for the 8th International Capacity Building Program, which it has organized to strengthen international solidarity in the fight against addiction. The event, which was first launched in 2016 and has been attended by approximately 2,000 people to date, is an important part of Green Crescent’s international advocacy, education and cooperation efforts. In the sessions where speakers from different countries of the world will share their ideas and projects, best practices in the fight against addiction will be discussed for three days. Making the opening speech of the 8th Capacity Development Program, Green Crescent Chairman Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mehmet Dinç said, “As the Turkish Green Crescent Society, which has a century of experience in combating addictions since 1920, we are hosting a very important program. As you all know, unfortunately, ‘addiction’ has become a wave affecting the entire world. Together with our representatives from the Green Crescents of the countries that are with us here today, we are combating addictions that are as burning, destructive and dangerous as war all around the world. During the three days that we are here, we will discuss addictions that threaten the future of societies and consult on stronger prevention programs in combating addiction. I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to our 32 participants from 15 countries, especially our 88 representatives from 60 countries who are our companions in this struggle and who will share their valuable ideas with us throughout the program.”

One person one world

Mehmet Dinç, who also drew attention to the importance of the Independence Mobilization in his speech, said, “Every person we lose to addictions is a great loss for us. We say ‘One person, one world’ and we work with determination to bring our clients who have even given up on themselves back to life without giving up. We have a great belief in an independent future. I am talking about a very big fire that we are trying to extinguish on a global scale with our Green Crescents, which are countries with which we share our belief and mission. As Green Crescent Turkey, we are struggling to reach every corner of our country and bring every individual back to life in cooperation with our President, public institutions and local governments. In this context, with our Independence Mobilization movement that we have initiated, we aim to spread both preventive and rehabilitative methods to large masses in the field, from cities to neighborhoods, from neighborhoods to streets. We invite all segments of society, from mukhtars to religious officials, from healthcare workers to lawyers, from educators to tradesmen, to work shoulder to shoulder with us in this struggle.”

Mehmet Dinç: Each member of the Country Green Crescents is a hero without a cape

Referring to the losses experienced by addicted individuals, Dinç continued his words as follows: People who fall into the clutches of addiction lose their jobs, relationships, physical and mental health in order. But the most painful thing is that they eventually lose hope. A mother prays for her child to die, a father waits anxiously until the morning. It should not be forgotten at this very moment that the Green Crescent is the Green Crescent of everyone who gives up on themselves and their loved ones, and it fights for everyone. Some heroes do not wear capes… Each member of all the Green Crescents of all countries who share this responsibility with us and walk with us is a hero without a cape. We will continue to work day and night, together with all our heroes, reaching out to all individuals at risk, from children to young people, from women to the elderly, in every corner of our country and the world.

Institutional support solidarity from expert speakers

The program, where representatives of national Green Crescents come together in different sessions, is gaining strength with the support of respected institutions and experts from around the world. This year's speakers include Green Crescent General President Assoc. Dr. Mehmet Dinç, Dr. Dzmitry Krupchanka from the World Health Organization, Karen Paters from UNODC, Guglielmo Schinina from IOM and EUROCARE Secretary General Florence Berteletti. In addition, representatives from the Turkish offices of organizations such as UNODC, UN Women and the World Health Organization are also contributing to the program.

Common sense and international unity in the fight against addiction

Green Crescent’s Project and Fund Management, Volunteer Management, Education Management and YEDAM units add color to the program with workshops. While names such as WHO Turkey Representative Dr. Tasnim Atatrah, Guglielmo Schinina, Karen Paters and Florence Berteletti draw attention within the scope of the event, Green Crescent representatives from Indonesia, Rwanda, Lebanon, Brazil and Dagestan are holding media meetings. Green Crescent, 8th International Capacity Development Program stands out as an international platform that not only offers information and experience sharing, but also supports common sense and unity against addictions.