The Marmara Group Strategic and Social Research Foundation

The Marmara Group Strategic and Social Research Foundation, (Turkish: Marmara Grubu Stratejik ve Sosyal Araştırmalar Vakfı), also known as the Marmara Foundation (Turkish: Marmara grubu Vakfı)(henceforth MF) is a Turkish non-governmental “public benefit organization”, operating in Istanbul, since 1985. For more than two decades, MF has had the privilege of working with statesmen, government officials, parliamentarians, academicians, chairmen and directors of the chambers of commerce and industry, along with various Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO) throughout the world, interested in its work.

As an NGO widely recognized by numerous segments in Turkey, MF strides to contribute to shaping of public opinion through its purposeful meetings and events. These crown the Foundation by earning it an outstanding position among Turkey's platform of NGO's. Currently, MF represents Turkey in the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations in a consultative status. In addition, MF is accredited with the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) as an NGO and is a member of the Balkan Political Club. The Marmara Group Foundation is an observer member of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (PABSEC) since 2006.

MF, not only studies several global subjects such as the economy, public administration, security and defense issues, but also tackles regional and international topics concerning the EU, the Middle East, Asia, Cyprus, the Balkans and the Caucasus, by preparing and organizing workshops, publishing documents, with the support of its Academic Council. The MF directs its efforts to develop public consciousness with the aim of improving national and international relations and supporting the sustainable development of Turkey.

During the last two decades, the world has been experiencing a globalization process which has recently acquired momentum. MF believes that it is necessary to further improve regional cooperation in order to maximize the use of the possibilities provided by the globalization and prevent its negative effects. In order to assist the Turkish society to integrate with the rest of the world, the MF held and organized a number of symposiums, conferences and summit meetings in Brussels, Baku, Vienna, Sofia, Athens, Tel-Aviv, and Paris. In addition to these meetings, MF represented Turkey at various international events that took place in Bosnia-Herzegovina, Belgrade, Warsaw, Amsterdam, New York, Sofia and Paris.

The Marmara Foundation is celebrating its twenty third anniversary this year (2008). The Marmara Foundation will organize the Twelfth Eurasian Economic Summit to be held in Istanbul, on 6-8 May 2009, at the Conference Hall of the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce. Herebelow are some relevant facts about this leading Turkish NGO: •The Marmara Foundation is an observer member of “the United Nations Economic and Social Council” (ECOSOC). •The Marmara Foundation is a member of “the Intercultural Dialogue Program of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization” (UNESCO). •The Marmara Foundation is an observer member of “the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe” (OSCE). •The Marmara Foundation is a member of “the Balkan Political Club”. •The Marmara Foundation is an observer member of “the Parliamentary Assembly of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation” (PABSEC). •The Marmara Foundation is a member of “World Azerbaijani Forum” which is based in Baku, Azerbaijan. •The Marmara Foundation is a member of “the World Mongolian General Assembly” which is based in Mongolia. These are mighty achievements for a Non Governmental Organization. Actually this success which is attained by the Marmara Foundation with its NGO identity reflects the accomplishments and achievements of the Turkish Society. Some more information in the light of the foregoing is as follows:

*The Foundation has a very distinguished follower group including the Former and Current Presidents of Turkey, the Turkish Prime Minister, the Speaker of the Turkish Parliament, the Turkish Chief of General Staff, the leaders of the Turkish opposition parties, ministers and high officials of the government and members of the Turkish defense forces, as well as high level civil servants, academicians, members of the press and media organizations.

•International high level personalities, such as the Former and Current Presidents of Azerbaijan, Former Presidents of Bulgaria and Romania, various Prime Ministers and cabinet ministers who participated in the meetings of the Marmara Foundation designated the Marmara Foundation as the “most prominent NGO” and to be on the “right track”.

•The Marmara Foundation has received four distinguished decorations in the last decade. Among these noteworthy successes, the Marmara Foundation received “the State Medal of Honor”, from the President of Azerbaijan; “the Medal of Genghis Khan”, from the President of Mongolia; “the Medal of St. Benedict”, from His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI and “the Medal of Honor”, from the Executive Board of the Eurasian Economic Summits.

External links

* [http://www.marmarafoundation.org Official site] En icon
* [http://www.marmaragrubu.org Official site] Tr icon