A delegation led by UNDP Türkiye Resident Representative Monica Merino and Swedish Ambassador Malena Mård visited Adıyaman and Şanlıurfa to observe the local impacts of projects implemented with the financial support of the Government of Sweden. 

Ankara, 10 October 2025 –  A delegation led  by UNDP Türkiye Resident Representative Monica Merino and Swedish Ambassador Malena Mård conducted a two-day field visit to Adıyaman and Şanlıurfa, where they met with local stakeholders, women entrepreneurs, and institutional representatives. During the visit, they observed the tangible impacts of projects supported by the Government of Sweden, identified new areas for collaboration, and discussed local needs. 

On the first day of the programme, the delegation met three women entrepreneurs supported by the Grant Program for Recovery of Small Businesses Affected by the Earthquake, which helps revive small businesses hit by the 2023 earthquakes. These women entrepreneurs —owners of a health center, a juice shop, and a textile business—showed that returning to production is not only an economic recovery but also a symbol of social solidarity and hope. 

The delegation also met with Adıyaman Governor Dr. Osman Varol and Mayor Abdurrahman Tutdere to assess the contributions of ongoing projects to local development and social cohesion. 

On the second day, the opening ceremony of the H.O.P.E. in Action: Harnessing Opportunities for the Promotion of Women's Empowerement Project took place in Şanlıurfa, with the participation of all stakeholders. The project aims to support women entrepreneurs in six provinces most affected by the 2023 earthquakes, helping them rebuild and revive their businesses. 

In the opening remarks, speakers highlighted that women’s entrepreneurship is a cornerstone of sustainable development. UNDP Türkiye Resident Representative Monica Merino, Swedish Ambassador.

Malena Mård, Confederation of Turkish Tradesmen and Craftsmen EU and Foreign Relations Expert Serdar Dalmaz, Orange Organization Head of Programs Mustafa Alloush, and Kudra Organization Chairman Mert Altıncı emphasized the importance of promoting women’s participation in the economy and strengthening social cohesion through green jobs, vocational trainings, and career support. 

Following a courtesy visit to Şanlıurfa Governor Hasan Şıldak, the delegation visited the Rapid Intervention Vehicle delivered to the Şanlıurfa Metropolitan Municipality with the support of the Government of Sweden and met with the Firefighting Department. 

These visits underscored the long-standing partnership between UNDP Türkiye and the Government of Sweden, highlighting its strong local impact. Increasing women’s participation in the economy, enhancing social cohesion, and building resilient communities remain at the heart of this collaboration.