JICA Co-Hosts Seismic Retrofitting Seminar to Strengthen Disaster Resilience in Türkiye

On June 18, 2025, JICA in collaboration with the Union of Municipalities of Türkiye (UMT) and the Ministry of National Education (MoNE), successfully co-hosted a "Seismic Retrofitting Seminar". This crucial event is a key component of the ongoing "Project for Capacity Building for Local Municipalities on Disaster Risk Reduction and Waste Management."

More than 200 attended the seminar, brought together key stakeholders, including representatives from UMT, various municipalities, MoNE, the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change (MoEUCC), the Ministry of Health (MoH), to enhance the capacity of seismic risk reduction and to introduce advanced Japanese technologies and strategies for earthquake-resilient infrastructure.

Mr. Daisuke Watanabe, Chief Representative of the JICA Türkiye Office emphasized the shared commitment to disaster preparedness and highlighted the powerful synergy of the partnership, echoing the Turkish proverb, "Bir elin nesi var, iki elin sesi var," meaning "One hand alone makes no sound, but two hands together make a sound."

Representing the Turkish side, Dr. Şengül Altan Arslan, Deputy Secretary of UMT stated “I hope that this innovative method will be an "example of good practice" for local administrations in seismic strengthening.” and they will continue to work for strengthening the institutional capacity of local administrations for the construction of inclusive and resilient cities. Also, Mr. Ismail, Head of the Department of Construction Works of MoNE stated the importance of promoting Japanese innovative seismic retrofitting method, which allows to proceed without relocating students.

The seminar's comprehensive agenda included insightful presentations on the outline of the project, a report on training initiatives conducted in Japan, and an overview of MoNE's earthquake resilience strategy and the application of the Outer Frame method. A dedicated session showcased innovative Japanese technologies in seismic retrofitting, presented by various Japanese companies. Active Q&A sessions fostered engaging discussions such as regarding the criteria of selecting buildings for seismic retrofitting and the future plan of disseminating the knowledge on the innovative method.

This seminar underscores JICA's commitment to supporting Türkiye's efforts in disaster risk reduction. By fostering stronger collaboration and sharing expertise, JICA, UMT, and MoNE are working hand in hand to enhance the resilience of local communities, ensuring a safer future for all citizens against natural disasters.

The project continues to build a robust framework for disaster preparedness, contributing significantly to Türkiye's long-term sustainability and safety.