A CIPE partner is among those leading crisis efforts on the ground in southern Turkey, where massive February earthquakes leveled entire communities and displaced millions. TÜRKONFED (Turkish Enterprise and Business Confederation) was one of the first organizations to respond after the quakes, mobilizing its vast network of associations and federations to assist with immediate relief efforts. The groups are now supporting longer-term business rebuilding efforts amid the grief and despair.
It is considered one of the worst natural disasters in recent history for a region already under great strain, due to war and a growing refugee population. TÜRKONFED’s work is one example of how business organizations around the globe are stepping in to assist governments and fill critical gaps in times of urgent need.
CIPE is spotlighting this growing trend in a new Democracy that Delivers podcast series on “Association Frontiers” hosted by Stephen Rosenlund, who leads CIPE’s internal Associations Working Group and serves as Deputy Director of Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Programs. In the inaugural podcast, he talks with TÜRKONFED Secretary General Ardu Batu and MENA Senior Program Officer Babak Yektafar about current efforts by the business community to assist earthquake victims and help restore lives and livelihoods.