H.E. Zehra Zümrüt SELÇUK recently engaged in a productive bilateral meeting with Dr. Nabeth PIERRE, Head of the WHO European Centre for Preparedness for Humanitarian and Health Emergencies. The meeting, held in Istanbul, focused on reinforcing collaboration between SESRIC and WHO within the framework of SESRIC's mandated areas, particularly emphasizing humanitarian and health crises within the OIC member countries.

During the meeting, both representatives discussed areas of mutual interest, including SESRIC's research initiatives and capacity-building programs. They highlighted SESRIC's commitment to understanding the drivers and consequences of humanitarian and health crises, showcasing the extensive research studies and awareness-raising events in collaboration with international partners.

H.E. SELÇUK highlighted SESRIC's significant research studies on humanitarian crises; mainly, among others, "Humanitarian Crises Report in OIC Countries" in 2017, in partnership with IsDB and "Managing Disasters and Conflicts in OIC Countries" in 2014, in partnership with IsDB and UNDP.

As part of its OIC Health Initiatives, SESRIC played a leading role in preparing the OIC Strategic Health Programme of Action (OIC-SHPA) 2014-2023, identifying key thematic areas of cooperation with lead country coordinators. It has organized events alongside major international conferences, addressing topics such as disaster risk management and sustainable development. Among these, over 50 activities within its Capacity Building Programmes were organized, bringing together experts from OIC countries. The Centre also actively contributes to South-South Cooperation, implementing projects like "Strengthening Coordination and Capacity-Building on Preparedness and Response to Health Emergencies."

Dr. PIERRE thanked H.E. SELÇUK for the visit and underlined that the WHO European Centre will be glad to collaborate with SESRIC on future research and capacity-building activities in humanitarian crises and health emergencies in OIC member countries.

The meeting concluded with both parties expressing their readiness to share expertise and benefit from each other within the OIC platform towards enhancing preparedness and response to health emergencies, aligning with the shared goal of promoting the well-being of OIC member countries.