Minister IŞIKHAN Participated in the Meeting of Ministers of Labor, Employment, and Social Protection of the Organization of Turkic States

Prof. Dr. Vedat IŞIKHAN, traveled to Azerbaijan to attend the Organization of Turkic States Meeting of Ministers of Labor, Employment, and Social Protection, and delivered a speech at the meeting.

Referring to the Roundtable Meeting titled “Social Protection, Working Life, and Social Services in Turkic States” held in Ankara on October 30, 2024 and hosted by the Ministry of Labor and Social Security, Minister IŞIKHAN noted, “Today, at the end of the process that gained momentum following the meeting, it is an exceptionally valuable and meaningful step that we, as ministers responsible for labor, employment, and social protection of the Turkic world, are gathering together for the first time. Soon after, our leaders also declared their intention to further develop our cooperation in the areas of labor, employment, and social protection at the Bishkek Summit. In line with these principles, guided by our common roadmap, which is the “Turkic World 2040 Vision,” we strongly believe that we need to strengthen our relations in every field, including our cooperation in the areas of labor, employment, and social protection.”

“We are taking firm steps towards the Turkish World 2040 Vision”

Minister IŞIKHAN emphasized that they are taking firm steps towards the Turkish World 2040 Vision, guided by Ismail GASPRINSKI's principle of “unity in language, thought, and action” from the early 20th century, and added:  "Our Organization, built upon our shared history, faith, culture, and ideals, places significant responsibilities upon us to ensure it operates with an inclusive approach that leaves no one behind. It is extremely valuable that the initiatives we carry out in our countries to increase the employability of our citizens, advance their rights in the workplace, strengthen the resilience of social protection systems, and support vulnerable communities are brought together under a common vision within the framework of the TDT."

“Unemployment Has Stabilized at Single-Digit Levels for Last 30 Months”

Minister IŞIKHAN noted that Türkiye  has been working with determination and success to raise the welfare level of its citizens under the leadership of President Recep Tayyip ERDOĞAN and with the vision of the “Türkiye's Century”. IŞIKHAN stated, “According to the latest data released, the Türkiye's economy recorded an annual growth rate of 3.7 percent in the third quarter of 2025.  Thanks to stability and predictability, our economy has shown uninterrupted growth performance over the past 21 quarters. As a result of our long-term policies, we have reduced the unemployment rate, which was at 10% twenty years ago and approached 14% during the pandemic, to 8.5% today.  The fact that the unemployment rate has remained in single digits for last 30 months is one of the most concrete indicators of the strong momentum we have achieved in the labor market."

1.3 Million People Employed in the First 7 Months of 2025

Stating that the Ministry of Labor and Social Security facilitated the employment of 1.3 million citizens in the first seven months of this year, IŞIKHAN emphasized, “Of this figure, 500,000 are women, approximately 540,000 are young people, and 42,000 are citizens with disabilities. Through our programs supporting the participation of women and young people in the workforce, we have managed to increase the rate of women's employment from 20% to 40% over the last twenty years and reduce youth unemployment to the level of 15.6%. Once again, by taking measures to fight informality, which is one of the most significant challenges we face, and through our effective oversight activities, we have managed to reduce informal employment across the country by half over the past two decades.”

“All Our Citizens Are Covered by Social Security”

Minister IŞIKHAN pointed out that they have made sure all citizens are covered by social security through policies like the General Health Insurance program, and said, “We’re working hard to make a fair transition to a green and digital transformation in work life through legal reforms. We are assessing the opportunities and challenges that artificial intelligence will bring to work life in all processes and taking the necessary precautions, as well as carrying out the required work. While continuing our efforts to fight irregular migration due to our status as a destination country for international migration, we are also managing the employment of registered foreign workers in areas where the economy needs them. Within this framework, I would like to note that our Ministry received over half a million work permit applications in the past year alone, a significant portion of which were from citizens of TDT member states. We make every effort not to leave behind our citizens who go abroad to work, and we pay close attention to the protection of their rights and interests. We serve approximately 8 million citizens abroad through our 57 Labor and Social Security Advisors and Attachés operating within our Embassies and Consulates in 29 countries."

“The Multilateral Labor Agreement Will Be a Strategic Step”

Minister IŞIKHAN, also drawing attention to international labour mobility in his speech, emphasized that “Within the framework of the 2040 Vision set forth by our leaders, the expansion of professional labor mobility in our region will significantly contribute to meeting our increasing labor needs primarily through our own resources and also to improving the skills and qualifications of our population. This is why we see a “multilateral labor agreement” that would apply across the TDT and make it possible to regulate employment as a strategic step. I sincerely believe that this step will not only contribute to individual and social well-being but also make our unity and solidarity more visible."

Minister IŞIKHAN Emphasizes Gaza at TDT Meeting

Minister IŞIKHAN stated, "As our esteemed President Recep Tayyip ERDOĞAN pointed out that whenever international organizations remain silent on issues that wound humanity's conscience, this becomes a burden upon their members. As you are all well aware, while Israel is perpetrating genocide in Palestine in front of the eyes of the entire world, many international and multilateral organizations have unfortunately failed to take action. As the Republic of Türkiye, we have chosen to strive for peace rather than become part of this silent but ruthless criminal complicity. I would like to take this opportunity to reiterate our expectation that the ceasefire in Gaza be long-lasting and that efforts towards a two-state solution based on the 1967 borders be pursued."

At the end of his speech, Minister IŞIKHAN expressed his happiness to see Oğuzhan HASİPOĞLU, Minister of Labor and Social Security of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, attending the meeting as an observer country to the TDT. He expressed his gratitude to the TDT and its member states for their steadfast stance against the international injustices faced by the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.

A joint declaration was signed by the ministers at the end of the meeting. The declaration confirmed that Türkiye will host the second meeting of TDT Ministers of Labor, Employment, and Social Protection next year.