Istanbul Declaration Signed at WHO Ministerial Conference on Earthquake Preparedness
Istanbul, July 2, 2026 – The Istanbul Declaration, a pivotal agreement focused on bolstering health security in the face of earthquakes, was officially signed today. Turkish Health Minister Kemal Memişoğlu and Dr. Hans Kluge, the World Health Organization (WHO) Europe Regional Director, formalized the declaration during the “Protecting Health in Earthquakes – Strengthening Health Security Through Earthquake Emergency Management” WHO Ministerial Conference.
The conference, hosted by the Turkish Ministry of Health in collaboration with the WHO, took place at the Hilton Istanbul Bomonti Hotel and Conference Center. Minister Memişoğlu and Dr. Kluge co-chaired a ministerial session titled “Strengthening the Resilience of Health Systems in Earthquake Management,” where country representatives shared their perspectives on earthquakes and health.
A Testament to Collective Commitment
During the signing ceremony, Minister Memişoğlu expressed Turkey’s pride in hosting the conference, bringing together ministers, decision-makers, experts, and first responders to address a critical common priority. He emphasized that for Turkey, this gathering represented a humanitarian duty.
“The Istanbul Declaration we have signed is the strongest evidence of our shared understanding and commitment to protecting health facilities, investing in resilient systems, and supporting communities at every stage of disaster management,” Memişoğlu stated. He added that the declaration underscores the core spirit of the conference: “No country can be left alone in the face of disaster risks. By working together, we can learn from each other, strengthen our systems, and build a safer future for our people.”
Memişoğlu extended his gratitude to the WHO for its unwavering support to member states in emergency preparedness, and to all those who contributed to the creation of the Istanbul Declaration. He highlighted the significance of the signing ceremony as a crucial turning point, noting that “The value of the Istanbul Declaration will further increase as this vision is translated into action on the ground through stronger collaborations and practical applications. May the signatures we have put in Istanbul be a symbol of solidarity and our shared responsibility. Together, we can build a safer and healthier future for the entire world.”
Live Connection with UMKE Team in Venezuela
During the ceremony, Minister Memişoğlu also established a live connection with the National Medical Rescue Team (UMKE) unit deployed in Venezuela’s Yaracuy region following recent earthquakes. Murat Genç, a member of the UMKE team, joined the conference virtually, reporting that his team arrived in the country shortly after the earthquake and has been continuously engaged in search and rescue operations on a 24-hour basis.
Minister Memişoğlu conveyed his thoughts to the team, stating, “Our hearts are with you there. We extend our condolences to the people and government of Venezuela. We are signing the Istanbul Declaration here because when the world unites, we can deliver all kinds of aid and support everywhere. We express our gratitude to all the teams who are rushing to help people there.”
The Istanbul Declaration marks a significant step forward in international cooperation for earthquake preparedness and health security, aiming to create a more resilient global response to natural disasters.
