Disaster Communication Training Activity by the Presidency of Communication

Introduction

As Çare Derneği, we attended the Stratcom Disaster Communication Forum organized by the Presidency of Communication, with the theme "Preparation, Intervention, Improvement". This event addressed important issues such as correct public information, prevention of disinformation, coordination in disaster management, and the use of technology during disasters. Here are some of the topics and notes that stood out from the event:

Communication and Coordination During Disasters

• "The importance of accurate information during disasters is great. Communication plays a critical role in delivering this accurate information to the right people at the right time and in the right way." Shelly Cheatham (Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean for the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs and Turkey Earthquake Response Field Coordinator)
• Kalev Hannes Leetaru (GDELT) talked about the use of artificial intelligence tools before, during, and after disasters, and aimed to provide proactive communication.
• "The power of strategic communication offers the opportunity to tell the story to the world during disasters." Dante Manuel Licona Estevez (Social Media Strategist)

Media and Accurate Journalism During Disasters

• Media Panel on the Disaster Line: The power of the media during disasters was discussed within the framework of correct journalism and broadcasting principles.
• "Disaster areas are unpredictable, things may not always go according to plan. And that's normal." Trent Murray: (Feature Story News, Berlin Representative)
• "In disaster situations, people's anger and fears are the most dangerous emotions. These emotions also create the most striking images in the news." Nordin Abdullah (Founder of the Malaysian Crisis Management Center)

National and International Solidarity

• In the session titled "International Solidarity in Disasters", ambassadors from Japan, Hungary, Greece, and the United Arab Emirates emphasized the importance of solidarity in difficult times and said "We are with you, Turkey!"
• Borderless Heroes: Members of search and rescue teams from Germany, Poland, Korea, Azerbaijan, and Spain shared their experiences during the Kahramanmaraş earthquakes.

Civil Society and Volunteerism During Disasters

• Sustainable Crisis Management Panel: The importance of civil society and volunteerism for quick and effective intervention during disasters was emphasized.
• Korzay Koçak talked about methods to eliminate the subconsciously created fear and anxiety caused by earthquakes and their aftermath.
• Davut Pehlivanlı explained the risk elements that our country may face and the distribution of these risks, as a result of Turkey's geopolitical position and natural structure, in the Turkey Risk Report.

Truth Struggle During Disasters

• Final Panel: Truth Struggle During Disasters: The effects of disinformation activities, especially in the cyber field, on national security and the functioning of verification mechanisms were discussed during crisis and disaster periods.

Conclusion

During the Disaster Communication Training event, issues such as accurate information during disasters, the power of media and communication, national and international solidarity, the importance of civil society and volunteerism, and the struggle for truth during disasters were discussed. As Çare Derneği, we believe that such events are of great importance in creating a more prepared and conscious society against disasters.