Civil Society in the Business Sector
Empowering Civil Society in the Business Sector through Training
Turkish Business Confederation (TÜRKONFED), in partnership with the Friedrich Naumann Foundation (FNF) Türkiye, organized a two-day training program called "Civil Society Capacity Building for General Secretaries of Member Federations" in Adana in September 2024. The initiative aimed to equip federation general secretaries with practical knowledge in business, human rights, and leadership, enhancing their ability to contribute effectively within civil society organizations. Participants consisting of 31 general secretaries of different federations, were trained on topics including digital transformation, financial management, and sustainable development to align with evolving societal and economic challenges to enable to play a more active role in NGOs.
The program emphasized the strategic role of general secretaries as institutional leaders, highlighting their ability to foster participatory democracy and social benefit. Experts from FNF Türkiye and the Civil Society Development Center (STGM) provided sessions on grant programs, project management, and responsible business practices, ensuring attendees were well-prepared to integrate ethical frameworks into their work. Collaborative discussions also addressed strategic planning for federations, strengthening their capacity to support both local development and human rights initiatives.
In this context, TÜRKONFED Chairman Süleyman Sönmez highlighted the strategic importance of the initiative, stating that "expanding the horizons of our general secretaries is fundamental not only for our federations and confederation but ultimately for the future of our country." Emphasizing the role of general secretaries as "the institutional memory and action muscles of our federations," he underscored their contribution to the development of democracy through civil society support.
Ramazan Kaya, TÜRKONFED Vice Chairman and Head of Regional Structuring, described the project as "a milestone that is a concrete step toward" positioning federations and member associations more effectively in their respective regions and sectors. By "strengthening the dynamic structure of civil society at the local level," he explained, they aim to "increase participatory democracy and social solidarity," while expanding the capacity to "generate development and social benefit" in various regions.
FNF Türkiye Director Aret Demirci expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating that "equipping business leaders with the right tools and information will build a more prosperous and inclusive future." He added that the partnership aims to "promote sustainable development through innovation, strategic leadership, responsible business practices, and commitment to human rights." Demirci noted, "Together, we are stronger and better equipped to face the challenges we will encounter."
The training program featured esteemed experts who provided invaluable insights into key areas of civil society operations. Among the trainers, FNF Türkiye’s Program Manager Tarık Beyhan delivered an insightful session on business and human rights, highlighting the growing importance of ethical practices for both upholding human rights and ensuring business sustainability.
M. Murat Özçelebi from the Civil Society Development Center (STGM) spoke on grant programs, project preparation and project cycle management. Additionally, Özgür Kurtuluş provided training on Digital Transformation and Technology Use, emphasizing the importance of embracing technological advancements to enhance operational efficiency and outreach.
The two-day training included sessions on TÜRKONFED's organizational structure and strategic planning, an introduction to business and human rights, and presentations on legal obligations, financial management, digital transformation, and management strategies within civil society organizations. Participants were also introduced to the "Responsible Business Hub (RBH Türkiye)" and engaged in discussions on their federations' strategic plans.
This initiative aims to empower civil society by promoting cross-sectoral collaboration and innovation. By building the leadership capacity with the necessary knowledge and skills of the federation secretaries, the program enable them to play more active roles in civil society and contribute to sustainable development to create a more inclusive and democratic society in Türkiye. With a focus on sustainable development and practical solutions, the training is expected to have a lasting impact on the participating federations, enabling them to respond effectively to regional and national challenges and strengthening the understanding and implementation of business and human rights practices among NGOs.