Ambassador Dr. Mehmet Güllüoğlu, Secretary General of the International Federation of Green Crescent (IFGC), visited Pakistan from 19 to 23 July 2026 together with Ergin Beceren, Director of the International Federation of Green Crescent, to meet with representatives of government institutions, Turkish organizations, international organizations and civil society in order to strengthen international cooperation in the field of addiction prevention and recovery. The programme began with participation in the roundtable titled "State of Drugs in Pakistan: Issues, Challenges & Response," hosted by the Karim Khan Afridi Welfare Foundation (KKAWF). The meeting brought together representatives of public institutions, educational organizations, international organizations, civil society organizations, experts, diplomats and members of the media. Discussions focused on the current situation of substance use in Pakistan, the key challenges in addressing addiction, prevention-oriented approaches, treatment and rehabilitation services, and opportunities for international cooperation. In his remarks, Ambassador Dr. Mehmet Güllüoğlu emphasized that addressing addiction should not be limited to treatment services alone, highlighting the critical importance of strengthening prevention efforts and enhancing inter-institutional cooperation to achieve sustainable solutions. He also shared IFGC's experience and ongoing initiatives in different countries, presenting examples of international best practices. During the visit, the delegation also met with Major General Abdul Moeed, Commander of the Pakistan Anti Narcotics Force (ANF). The meeting provided an opportunity to learn about Pakistan's efforts in combating narcotic drugs while exchanging views on prevention strategies, opportunities for international cooperation and potential areas for future collaboration. The programme also included separate meetings with Ms. Saliha Tuna, TİKA Islamabad Programme Coordinator; Mr. Harun Küçükaladağlı, Pakistan Country Representative of the Türkiye Maarif Foundation; and Mr. Eren Miyasoğlu, Pakistan Country Coordinator of the Yunus Emre Institute. The discussions focused on education, prevention initiatives, capacity building and institutional cooperation, while exploring opportunities to develop joint projects in the field of addiction prevention and recovery. The delegation also visited the Greenfield Hospital of Psychiatry Rehabilitation Centre, where they received information on the institution's addiction treatment and rehabilitation services and exchanged views on good practices in the field.  

The Green Crescent Addiction Prevention Practitioner Training Program (TBM) was successfully held in Baku, Azerbaijan, from 22 to 25 June 2026, through the collaboration of the International Federation of Green Crescent (IFGC), the Turkish Green Crescent Society, the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA), the Turkish Maarif Foundation, and the Green Crescent Azerbaijan (Zərərli Vərdişlərə Qarşı İctimai Birliyi). Conducted in Turkish over four days at the Baku International Maarif Schools Youth Campus, the training program brought together 81 participants, including teachers, school psychologists, orphanage volunteers, and dormitory supervisors, with the aim of strengthening their knowledge and practical skills in addiction prevention. The comprehensive curriculum covered a wide range of topics, including the The Green Crescent Addiction Prevention Training Program (TBM), contemporary trends in addiction, adult education methodologies, principles of effective prevention practices, and substance- and behavior-related addictions, including alcohol, tobacco, drugs, technology, and gambling. The program also featured practice-oriented training sessions designed to enhance participants' capacity to implement prevention activities within their communities. Coordinated by the International Federation of Green Crescent and delivered by expert trainers from the Turkish Green Crescent Society, the program provided an important platform for strengthening professional competencies, promoting evidence-based prevention approaches, and encouraging the exchange of knowledge and experience among practitioners. Beyond enhancing individual capacities, the training represented another significant milestone in fostering international cooperation in the field of addiction prevention. By bringing together institutions and practitioners from different sectors, the program contributed to the development of a shared prevention perspective and reinforced collaborative efforts to build healthier and addiction-free communities. The trained practitioners are expected to deliver addiction prevention awareness sessions across Azerbaijan, helping to strengthen prevention efforts at the community level.

Country Green Crescent representatives contributed in the East Africa Youth Forum on Drugs (EAYFD), held in Arusha, Tanzania, from 4 to 6 June 2026. Supported by the International Federation of Green Crescent (IFGC), the forum brought together young leaders, civil society representatives, researchers, and experts to discuss current challenges and opportunities in addiction prevention. Representatives from the Turkish Green Crescent Society, Green Crescent Society Kenya, Malawi Green Crescent, Uganda Green Crescent Society, and Tanzania Green Crescent Community actively participated in the forum, sharing experiences from their respective countries and contributing to discussions on strengthening regional cooperation. Their participation highlighted the important role of civil society and youth engagement in prevention efforts across East Africa. During the forum, IFGC introduced its global network and ongoing initiatives supporting Country Green Crescents worldwide. The program also featured a presentation by Green Crescent Society Kenya on mental health-based approaches to preventing substance use among young people, emphasizing the importance of placing youth at the center of prevention strategies.