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UNIW Delegation Visits Sudan Consulate in Istanbul

A delegation from the Union of NGOs of the Islamic World (UNIW) paid a visit to the Consulate General of the Republic of Sudan in Istanbul, during which important discussions were held to strengthen humanitarian cooperation between the two sides.

The UNIW delegation included Secretary General Eyüp Akbal, Deputy Secretary General İbrahim Altan, General Coordinator Muhammed Aydın, and Arabic Desk Coordinator Ubeyde Çanakcı. The Sudanese side was represented by H.E. Consul General Usame Mahcub Hasan Dırar and Vice Consul Taha Muhammed Ebker Taha. During the meeting, a comprehensive report on the field visit carried out by the UNIW delegation and its member organizations in Sudan between 4–7 February was presented to the Consulate General, along with evaluations of the on-site engagements.

H.E. Consul General Usame Mahcub Hasan Dırar stated that the visit was well received by Sudanese authorities and noted that the steps taken contributed to strengthening international coordination in humanitarian aid. He emphasized the significant role played by UNIW in this process.

It was also noted that the UNIW delegation participated in a program organized by the Sudan Humanitarian Aid Commission (HAC) in Port Sudan, which included humanitarian assistance activities for those affected by the war in South Kordofan, and took part in a press statement. Within the framework of the meetings, it was announced that a “Cooperation Protocol for Strengthening Humanitarian Response and Coordination” had been signed between the parties. This protocol aims to enhance coordination in humanitarian aid programs and projects in Sudan, facilitate the field activities of UNIW member organizations, and strengthen inter-institutional cooperation.

Additionally, the presentation of a report prepared by the Sudan Humanitarian Aid Commission regarding the country’s priorities and needs was discussed. In this context, it was stated that an agreement had been reached to further develop joint coordination in humanitarian programs and projects in Sudan.

Key Discussion Topics

Transition from Emergency Aid to Recovery and Development

It was emphasized that Sudan needs to move beyond the emergency aid phase and transition into a recovery and rehabilitation process in the new period. In this regard, the importance of increasing support focused on humanitarian development was highlighted.

The priority sectors were identified as follows:

• Water and Sanitation (WASH): Ensuring the quality of drinking water and strengthening sanitation infrastructure
• Health: Rehabilitation of primary healthcare centers, development of preventive and curative services, and provision of modern medical equipment
• Education: Reconstruction of schools, universities, and higher education institutions
• Development: Revitalizing the local economy, increasing employment opportunities, supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), expanding vocational training programs, and creating sustainable sources of income

Challenges in the Field and the Need for Coordination

The challenges faced by UNIW member organizations in their humanitarian activities in Sudan were also discussed. It was underlined that coordination is of critical importance due to Sudan’s large geographical size and the widespread impact of the conflict.

In this context, it was stated that steps should be taken to share field-based knowledge and experiences, overcome existing obstacles, and improve operational processes.

Emphasis on Sustainable and Strategic Cooperation

The parties agreed on the need to develop long-term and strategic partnerships between institutions in Sudan and Türkiye, rather than short-term and temporary protocols. The importance of establishing sustainable, development-oriented partnerships was particularly emphasized.

Proposal for an International Workshop

A proposal was also discussed to organize an internationally participated “Roundtable Workshop on Sudan’s Recovery and Development” to contribute to Sudan’s recovery and development process.

In this workshop:

• NGOs,
• Universities and academics,
• Representatives of the Sudanese government

would come together to assess the country’s priority needs and develop solutions.

The meeting demonstrated a strong commitment to making humanitarian efforts in Sudan more effective, coordinated, and sustainable.