The main objective of the theoretical training and the study visit was to inform companies and business people in Şanlıurfa, which is Turkey’s third largest refugee hosting province with the age average of 19, on (i) increasing their resilience by using inclusive business models and processes when facing social and economic impacts of humanitarian crises, (ii) supporting the transformation of their business plans into inclusive business models and (iii) creating a discussion environment in which they can freely express their current problems specific to the region. However, it was also among the objectives of the program to inform companies about the Connecting Business initiative (CBi) Network and “Disaster and Risk Resilience Guide for the Private Sector”.
The trainings in Şanlıurfa focused on value creation and increasing competitiveness from export to social responsibility through an inclusive business approach in the digitalizing and globalizing world. Representatives from Alternative Life Association (AYDER), Human Development Foundation (INGEV), Sabancı University, Visa Turkey and Microsoft also contributed the training by visiting the region and making case presentations on respective topics.
Study visit to Istanbul was carried out with the participation of the company representatives from Şanlıurfa, representatives of TÜRKONFED, TÜSİAD (Turkish Industry and Business Association), Turcas Petroleum, Ceynak Logistics, Dimes and BVN Aviation and the President of Istanbul Policy Center Fuat Keyman. The study visit also included visits to companies. Participants had the chance to exchange information with senior executives of Turkey’s leading companies and had the opportunity to strengthen the capacity of family businesses in terms of institutionalization.
About the Project
These pilot training practices are implemented under Resilience Building via Increased Livelihoods Opportunities and Strengthened Social Cohesion for Syrians and Host Communities Project. The project, which aims to improve the institutional and employment capacities, productivity and competitiveness of the SMEs in Şanlıurfa and to develop an entrepreneurial ecosystem in Şanlıurfa, is being implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry with the technical support of UNDP and with the generous support of Government of Japan.
For more information: https://bit.ly/2KGUpOV
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