UN Launches Joint Program to Strengthen Türkiye’s Care Economy

The UN Türkiye Joint Program on the Transformative Growth of the Care Economy in Türkiye, funded by the Joint SDG Fund, was officially launched on February 5 in Ankara. Designed to strengthen Türkiye’s care economy, the initiative aims to promote inclusive growth and accelerate progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 5 (Gender Equality) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth).

Under the leadership of the UN Resident Coordinator and with full coordination support from the Resident Coordinator’s Office (RCO), the International Labour Organization (ILO) will oversee the program’s implementation in collaboration with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP). Additionally, UN Women, UNICEF, and UNFPA will provide technical expertise, while the Ministry of Family and Social Services will serve as the key governmental partner, working alongside other public institutions, worker and employer organizations, and civil society organizations (CSOs).

Key Approaches of the Program

To foster a strong, sustainable, and inclusive care economy while encouraging collaboration and public-private partnerships, the Joint Program will focus on two main strategies:

• Developing practical care economy models inspired by global best practices, incorporating digital solutions to support independent living and aging in place.
• Enhancing the capacity of government institutions and social partners in Türkiye to promote transformative growth in the care sector.

Lisa Kurbiel, Head of the UN Joint SDG Fund, emphasized in a video message that the care economy is fundamental to the success of societies and economies. She noted that Türkiye’s demographic trends—including a growing elderly population, increasing childcare demands, and persistent gender inequalities in care work—necessitate immediate and innovative action. The Joint Program, she explained, represents a transformative response to these challenges by creating equitable opportunities for both caregivers and care recipients while leveraging digital transformation.

Türkiye’s Commitment to the Care Economy

The launch event brought together policymakers, social partners, international organizations, CSOs, and private sector representatives to discuss the roadmap and implementation plan for the initiative. Deputy Minister of Family and Social Services, Sevim Sayım Madak, reiterated Türkiye’s dedication to unlocking the transformative potential of the care economy.

Acknowledging its significance, Türkiye’s 12th National Development Plan and the Women’s Empowerment Strategy Document and Action Plan (2024-2028) both highlight a strong commitment to expanding and improving care services. The new UN Joint Program builds on these national efforts by introducing innovative financing strategies, improving service quality and accessibility, creating decent jobs, and harnessing digital transformation to enhance the country’s care system in accordance with international standards.

Global Collaboration and Funding

All joint programs under the Joint SDG Fund are coordinated by UN Resident Coordinators and executed by UN agencies, funds, and programs. The Fund receives financial support from the European Union and the governments of Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Monaco, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, the Republic of Korea, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland, as well as private sector funding partners. Their contributions help advance progress toward achieving the SDGs by 2030.

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