A side event titled “Strong families, strong societies: Family support policies in OTS countries” was held on the margins of the second meeting of the Ministers of Family and Social Policies of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) in Baku.
The event, which brought together delegations and experts from OTS member countries, featured the screening of a video highlighting the importance of family values.
In her remarks, Mahinur Özdemir Göktaş, Turkish Minister of Family and Social Services, described family-one of the shared values of the Turkic world-as not only the foundation of societies, but also the future of nations.
According to her, the declaration of 2025 as the "Year of the Family" in Türkiye once again demonstrates the country’s commitment to this area and the importance given to the family values.
Bahar Muradova, Chairperson of the State Committee for Family, Women and Children's Affairs, underlined that in the Turkic world the family is highly appreciated not only as a social institution, but also as the foundation of national identity, a factor of stability and security. “Family occupies a separate place in the policy of any country. Rapid societal shifts, social media, urbanization, and migration issues significantly impact families. Countries cannot turn a blind eye to these challenges. Because protecting family values is not only a cultural but also a strategic issue,” she added.
Sadık Gardiyanoğlu, Minister of Labor and Social Security of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, said that with the rapid technological development, we are witnessing the weakening of the family foundation. “Social isolation, superficial relationships and increased individualization can directly impact the family institution. The social support programs implemented in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus are designed to strengthen family relationships,” the minister emphasized.
Other speakers at the event included Zharkynay Amrakulova, Chief Specialist at the Department for the Preparation of Decisions on Gender Policy and Protection from Family Violence of the Ministry of Labor, Social Security and Migration of the Kyrgyz Republic, Zhanakova Kyial Bayryshev, Deputy Minister of Labor, Social Protection and Migration of Kyrgyzstan, Kairat Kambatov, Chairman of the Committee for Youth and Family Affairs of the Ministry of Culture and Information of Kazakhstan, Halbibi Tachzhanov, Deputy Minister of Labor and Social Protection of the Population of Turkmenistan, and Ömer Kocaman, OTS Deputy Secretary General.
The event continued with live discussions on the topic.
