“Green Opportunities” were discussed at the GTO

At the information meeting, a presentation was made about the Green Opportunities: Women and Youth Focused Transformation Accelerator Grant Support program, which will be implemented in Gaziantep, Adıyaman and Kilis and will be offered to micro and small enterprises, cooperatives and producer unions with a total budget of 35 million TL, and the application requirements for the program, and the participants were informed. In his opening remarks at the meeting, GTO President Tuncay Yıldırım stated that climate change and the green transformation process affect every segment of society. He said, “But for some, this impact isn't just change; it's risk. Those caught unprepared, those who lack the necessary equipment, risk losing their livelihoods. Yes, this transformation offers growth and employment opportunities. But it also brings with it uncertainties and questions. We are experiencing a social transformation as well as an economic one. That's why we must be prepared. We must be aware, create solutions, and move forward together.”

“We have put the blame on ourselves”

President Yıldırım continued his speech by emphasizing that the Climate Law, passed by the Turkish Grand National Assembly on July 2nd, has legalized Turkey's fight against climate change. He said, “A multi-sectoral transformation has begun in line with the 2053 net-zero emissions target. As the Gaziantep Chamber of Commerce, we are striving to do our part. We've taken the initiative to measure our carbon footprint and take action to reduce it, ensuring that transformation doesn't just happen with words; it happens by leading by example. We've also taken the plunge: We've measured our carbon footprint and taken action to reduce it. We've procured our energy from renewable sources. We're digitizing all our services. We've begun renovations to reduce our building's energy consumption. Through our Green Transformation Support Center, we offer training, consulting, and guidance to our members. In other words, we don't just explain it; we implement it. In short, we've said: We're transforming together with our members.”

Yıldırım, emphasizing that the transformation process is costly and that walking this journey alone is impossible, said, “This is precisely where projects like SoGreen become so meaningful. The Socially Inclusive Green Transition Project – SoGreen, implemented by our Ministry of Industry and Technology through Development Agencies, aims to create brand new livelihoods, particularly for women and youth, by focusing on the social aspect of green transformation. I find this project invaluable not only for the environment but also for creating social justice, equality, and opportunity. I extend my gratitude to the İpekyolu Development Agency for organizing this meeting to discuss the details of this project. As GTO, we will continue to transform together with our members and make our city an example for Türkiye.”

Following President Yıldırım, İpekyolu Development Agency Secretary General Ahmet Paksu took the podium. He stated, “As part of the first phase of the Turkey Socially Inclusive Green Transition Project (SOGREEN), we will be providing grant support of between 600,000 and 2,000,000 TL to micro and small businesses, producer cooperatives, and unions through the 'Green Opportunities: Women- and Youth-Focused Transformation Accelerator Grant Support,' which we launched here today. This program aims to increase employment and economic gains in the areas of Enhancing Climate Change Adaptation Capacity, Strengthening the Transition to a Circular Economy, Sustainable Green Activities, and Accelerating the Transition to Environmentally Friendly Technologies. This program will bring business ideas and investments that will pioneer the green transition to life. I hope this program will be beneficial to our province and region.” The meeting concluded with a presentation and question-answer session by experts from the Silk Road Development Agency about the details of the “Green Opportunities: Women and Youth-Focused Transformation Accelerator Grant Support” program.

UAV