The opening of the Regional Migration and Return Forum, hosted by the Migration and Diaspora Foundation, was held in Ankara on July 21, 2026. Bringing stakeholders together to develop a common vision on migration management, voluntary return processes, and regional cooperation, the forum began with a promotional film, protocol speeches, and an opening presentation. In the program, the importance of regional cooperation and an understanding of shared responsibility stood out within the framework of safe, dignified, and sustainable return perspectives.

Held with the participation of public representatives, research centers, academics, and non-governmental organizations from Turkey, Iraq, Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, and Egypt, the forum addressed regional ownership, crisis management, and a shared vision for return processes.

"Active participation is essential"

Delivering the opening speech, Recep Seyyar, Chairman of the Board of the Migration and Diaspora Foundation, emphasized that the voluntary, safe, and dignified return processes of Syrian asylum seekers will only be possible through regional cooperation, joint policy-making, and the active participation of Syria's decision-making actors in the process.

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Özel: "Human-centric approach"

In his speech at the opening session, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Turkey Hacı Ali Özel stated that Turkey has approached migration movements with a human-centric understanding throughout history. He expressed that regional peace, security, and prosperity can only be built on the basis of cooperation, joint development, and regional ownership. Drawing attention to the importance of friendly and sister countries acting together in the face of common challenges, Özel noted that Turkey continues to contribute to global humanitarian efforts while maintaining its protection policies within the framework of international law.

Özel emphasized that lasting solutions in migration management will only be possible with policies that focus on the root causes of migration and are based on an understanding of cooperation and shared responsibility. Touching upon the importance of regional solidarity in combating factors that trigger migration, such as conflict, instability, and poverty, Özel stated that the principles of international law, human dignity, and fair burden-sharing should be at the center of migration policies.

Deputy Minister of Interior Cangir: "Human dignity is at the center"

Deputy Minister of Interior of the Republic of Turkey Dr. Mehmet Cangir stated that the developments in Syria over the last 15 years have once again demonstrated that migration management is a multi-dimensional issue requiring international solidarity and coordination. Stating that the Syrian crisis has displaced millions of people and placed significant responsibilities on neighboring countries, Cangir emphasized that Turkey has treated the issue as a humanitarian responsibility since the first day of the process.

Noting that a safe living space has been offered to millions of Syrians through the open-door policy and temporary protection practices, Cangir expressed that human dignity is at the center of every step taken. Emphasizing that migration management is not limited solely to protection policies, Cangir noted that significant steps have been taken to strengthen social cohesion through various integration policies ranging from education to employment, and that collaborations with international organizations have also contributed to this process.

Within the scope of the forum, migration management, regional cooperation, and the voluntary, safe, and dignified return processes of Syrians continue to be discussed in a multi-dimensional manner.