The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Turkey appointed regionally acclaimed actor Mert Fırat, best known for his starring roles on Başka Dilde Aşk and Atlıkarınca, as its first Goodwill Ambassador in Turkey.

In this new role, Turkish actor will focus on raising awareness and support for the Sustainable Development Goals.  Also known as the Global Goals, they are a universal call to action to end poverty, fight inequality and stop climate change.

“My main mission as UNDP Goodwill Ambassador will be to raise awareness and support for the Global Goals which aims ending poverty and hunger and fighting inequalities to create a better future for all. As we all know that cannot be achieved without empowering women and protecting our planet,” said Mert Fırat at a press conference held in Istanbul.

Mert Fırat who is also known by his volunteer work on sustainable development, stated that he is passionate about using his influence as an actor and advocate to draw attention to critical issues and encourage people to be agents of change.

“We are delighted to team up with Mert Fırat. His energy and commitment will help us amplify the urgent and universal message of the Sustainable Development Goals. We welcome Mert’s support to ensure that as many people as possible in Turkey know about the Goals, and can take action to help make our planet a better place for all,” said Irena Vojackova Sollorano, UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative in Turkey.

Mert Fırat and UNDP Turkey

Mert Fırat has been working with the UNDP Turkey in last couple of years for various occasions such as attending Social Good Summits of 2015 and 2016. He also actively participated to “Talk for Equality” event which promoted Gender Equality in Ankara.

Who is Mert Fırat?

Mert Fırat, after graduating from Ankara University in 2006, he got accepted into Oyun Atolyesi that was founded in 1999 by famous Turkish actors Zuhal Olcay & Haluk Bilginer, and which is one of the most prestigious independent theater companies in Istanbul, and performed in Shakespeare’s “The Taming of the Shrew”.  He received his first major film role in Başka Dilde Aşk in 2009, a critical success in Turkey. He has since starred in various films and TV shows, including “Binbir Gece”, “Bizim Evin Halleri”, and “Kelebeğin Rüyası”. He will appear later this year in “Yol Ayrımı”. Mert also received awards from international film festivals with his work. Some of them are Moondance International Film Festival 2014 Best Leading Actor Butterfly's Dream, Antalya Golden Orange Film Festival 2010 Best Screenplay, Love in Another Language, Berdyansk International Film Festival 2010 Special Award for Young Talent.

In addition to his award-winning acting career, Mert Fırat is a social good person and a volunteer. He is a co-founder of Ihtiyacharitasi.org (Map of Needs); a web platform to connect those in need of something with others who can help. Mert is also the spokesperson for Gönüllü İyilik Hareketi (Voluntary Social Good Movement); an NGO founded in 2016 that collects donations in various fields, based in Ankara and a co-Founder of SanatMahal (Art in Neighborhoods), an independent space based in Bursa that aims to promote a common ground for the arts, connecting underdeveloped neighborhoods.