A Mission to Türkiye: Celebrating Partnership and Witnessing Resilience

Executive Director Nathalie Francken and Turkish Advisor Salih Ercan undertook a meaningful mission to Türkiye from July 7 to 15, 2025, made possible through the valued support of Alternate Executive Director Ali Ibrahim Gur.

The mission opened in Ankara, where the delegation marked a significant milestone, 75 years of partnership between the World Bank Group and Türkiye. High-level discussions with Country Director Humberto Lopez and his team provided an opportunity to reflect on this enduring relationship and to align the strategic direction guiding the country program in the years ahead.

The delegation then travelled to Hatay, one of the regions most profoundly affected by the devastating 2023 earthquakes. Witnessing firsthand the determination and strength of the local population, the delegation expressed deep admiration for the remarkable resilience communities have shown in the face of extraordinary hardship.

Throughout the visit, the team observed a number of high-impact initiatives supported by the World Bank Group, including several thriving women-led small and medium enterprises and the newly developed Defne Hospital, examples of how sustained investment and partnership translate into real progress for people's lives.