Atty. Ayşegül Yalçın Eriş, Deputy Executive Director of ASAM, which continues to be the largest NGO in its field in Türkiye, conveyed, “The most essential need for making civil voices heard is collaboration. Collaboration and solidarity are crucial for the future of democracy”.

NGOs, which attended the “Civil Voices Festival” at TED University in Ankara on 4-5 October, gained the opportunity to introduce themselves by setting up stands on the campus.

ASAM stand, which especially caught the attention of students, also attracted CSO representatives seeking to learn about opportunities for collaboration.

The Path to Change Through Solidarity

ASAM Deputy Executive Director Atty. Ayşegül Yalçın Eriş, who delivered an opening speech during the session on “The Future of Democracy: Insights from Civil Society”, highlighted the importance of collaboration and solidarity by stating, “No matter what the needs are identified in the field, we have rights-based policies in place that guide us towards the point that need to be reached. The most essential need for making civil voices heard is collaboration. Collaboration and solidarity are crucial for the future of democracy”.

The “Child Friendly Space” ASAM established at the festival also drew great interest. While children had a wonderful time by taking part in recycling, painting and marbling workshops in a safe space specially designed for them, their parents found the chance to participate in other activities at the festival.