The International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the International Federation of the Green Crescent (IFGC) will sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Geneva to strengthen collaboration in supporting vulnerable and displaced communities through prevention, recovery, mental health, and inclusive community-based approaches. The signing ceremony will take place on 19 May 2026 at 11:00 a.m. in Geneva, at the Permanent Mission of Türkiye to the United Nations, with the participation of IFGC Secretary General Ambassador Dr. Mehmet Güllüoğlu representing IFGC, and Director of the Mobility Pathways and Inclusion Department at IOM, Vincent Houver, representing IOM. The partnership reflects a shared commitment to addressing the complex social and health challenges faced by migrants, displaced populations, and people on the move, including mental health concerns, psychosocial needs, and substance use-related risks. With the MOU, the International Federation of Green Crescent (IFGC) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) will coordinate their respective expertise to maximize cooperation for vulnerable and crisis-affected populations. Under this strategic framework, IFGC will deploy its extensive capabilities in the prevention and treatment of alcohol, drug, and other addictive behaviors, while IOM will integrate its comprehensive mental health and psychosocial support mechanisms for migrants. Moving forward, both organizations will actively align their field activities and, whenever common interests dictate, directly request mutual support to deliver a unified, highly effective response that addresses both substance use and psychological resilience globally. This collaboration further highlights IOM’s broader efforts to promote mental health, psychosocial well-being, social inclusion, and resilience among migrants and crisis-affected populations through strategic cooperation with international and regional partners. For IFGC, the partnership underscores its commitment to advancing prevention and recovery-oriented approaches globally by strengthening collaboration with international stakeholders, expanding outreach to vulnerable populations, and contributing expertise in evidence-based and community-oriented prevention strategies within humanitarian and migration contexts. IOM founded its Mental Health, Psychosocial Support and Intercultural Communication Unit in 1999 and remains committed to providing interconnected psychological and social support to people on the move and conflict-affected populations, embedding MHPSS within humanitarian response, recovery programming, public health initiatives, and migrant protection and assistance services.  

The International Federation of Green Crescent, in collaboration with Green Crescent Councling Center (YEDAM), hosted “The Role of Mindfulness-Based Interventions in Addiction Recovery” webinar on April 30, 2026. The online session brought together Green Crescent representatives and professionals from all around the world. The interactive one-hour webinar explored how addiction cycles are sustained by automatic thoughts and impulses, and how mindfulness-based approaches can help individuals recognize and interrupt these patterns. The session featured presentations by YEDAM Psychologist and Feride Yüksel Barış and YEDAM Social Worker Hilal Kurt Kavraz, who highlighted the role of mindfulness techniques in craving management, relapse prevention, and emotional regulation within YEDAM’s holistic psychosocial support model. Moderated by Alaa Khalid Jemal, a volunteer from the Ethiopian Green Crescent and a psychology student, the webinar also included a Q&A and open discussion segment, allowing participants to share experiences and best practices from their respective countries. The event aimed to strengthen international knowledge exchange and raise awareness of mindfulness-based interventions in addiction treatment, as part of ongoing efforts to enhance global cooperation in prevention and psychosocial support initiatives.       

The International Federation of Green Crescent (IFGC) took part in the 8th Global Alcohol Policy Conference (GAPC 2026), held in Rio de Janeiro, contributing to global discussions on alcohol policy with its public health-oriented approach and international experience in 8-10 April 2026. The conference brought together policymakers, researchers, and civil society representatives from around the world to address the growing challenges of alcohol-related harm and to promote evidence-based solutions.  As part of the participation, IFGC established an exhibition stand at the conference venue, where it showcased its global activities, partnerships, and ongoing efforts in the field of addiction prevention. The stand attracted considerable interest from participants and served as a platform to strengthen international cooperation and visibility.  During the conference, Ambassador Dr. Mehmet Güllüoğlu, Secretary General of IFGC and Vice President of the Turkish Green Crescent Society, delivered a presentation titled “Public Support for Alcohol Control Policies in Türkiye.” The presentation highlighted findings on public attitudes toward alcohol control measures, emphasizing the strong societal support for policies aimed at protecting public health, particularly among youth and vulnerable groups.  The conference also featured the participation of the Conectados Pela Vida (Green Crescent Brazil), with its President Dr. Alexandre Kieslich Da Silva, taking part in the sessions. In addition, Prof. Dr. Perihan Torun from the Turkish Green Crescent Society also participated the conference. The active engagement of IFGC and its network members underscored the Federation’s growing role in shaping international dialogue on alcohol policy.