This new initiative, supported by the European Union with a budget of €72.5 million, aims to improve employability and strengthen seasonal agricultural capacity in rural areas.

27 June 2025, Ankara – Türkiye’s one of most comprehensive socio-economic development initiatives, the Integration Through Employment Support in Urban and Rural Environments (INSURE) Project was launched in Ankara.

Funded by the European Union, the initiative was launched as part of socio-economic development support and infrastructure services for refugees and host communities in Türkiye following the February 2023 earthquakes. The project has a total budget of €72.5 million.

The project is implemented by United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Türkiye in cooperation with the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, the Turkish Employment Agency (İŞKUR) and the Directorate General of International Labour Force under the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, and in close coordination with the Turkish Red Crescent (Kızılay) and the Ministry of National Education.

Increasing access to sustainable livelihoods and formal employment opportunities for foreigners, individuals under international protection, host communities and vulnerable groups was emphasized at the event as INSURE’s primary objective. In addition to promoting economic cohesion, INSURE project also aims to strengthen social cohesion.

INSURE Project consists of two main components:

• Increasing employability through the development of vocational and social skills
• Strengthening job opportunities by strengthening the capacities of agricultural enterprises and co-operatives in rural areas

With these two components, it aims to contribute to sectoral development and regional stability by supporting both the labor force participation of individuals and agricultural production capacity in rural areas.

Monica MERINO – UNDP Türkiye Resident Representative

"UNDP has worked together with the government of Türkiye for nearly a decade to support displaced populations and host communities. The INSURE Project represents a significant milestone in this joint endeavour. It has been designed jointly to meet the evolving needs of displaced populations and Turkish citizens.” 

Yusuf Ramazan Saygılı – General Secretary of Turkish Red Crecent
“In the aftermath of natural disasters and humanitarian crises, our priority is not only to meet basic humanitarian needs but also to strengthen social cohesion and livelihoods in the long term. We are pleased to be a partner of the INSURE Project, which is a reflection of this vision.”

Bekir Yücel TANRIKULU – Deputy General Director of Livestock, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry

“The sustainability of rural development depends on strengthening the qualified labour force in the agriculture and livestock sector. With this project, we aim to improve the living and working conditions of rural producers, especially seasonal agricultural workers, as well as to contribute to social justice and productivity by supporting agricultural organizations and sector stakeholders and to implement a strong vision in rural areas.”

Ambassador Thomas Hans OSSOWSKI – Head of the European Union Delegation to Türkiye
“INSURE Project is one of the most concrete examples of the European Union's commitment to strengthening social cohesion and creating long-term, skilled employment opportunities in Türkiye.”

Prof. Dr. Lutfihak ALPKAN – Ministry of Labour and Social Security, Deputy Minister

“I believe that INSURE will create a multi-dimensional development model that will not only improve employability but also contribute to strengthening economic and social cohesion.”

For information: Lale Çeviker Bozüyük, UNDP Türkiye Communications Analyst, lale.bozuyuk@undp.org