"Institutionalization of Cooperation in the Turkic World, Future of Mediation, Turkic World Mediation Convention" was organized in cooperation with the Ministry of Justice and the Turkish World Mediators Association.
The program held at Ankara Judge's House was attended by Umut İlhan Durmuşoğlu, Head of Mediation Department of the Ministry of Justice, Yakup Erikel, President of the Turkish World Mediators Union, lawyers and guests from Turkish states.
Durmuşoğlu, who made the opening speech of the program, stated that they came together not only to talk about the present and future of mediation, but also to develop a common vision for the Turkish world on mediation.
Stating that mediation is known as a new dispute resolution method, Durmuşoğlu said, "The culture of compromise has very historical roots in our civilization." he said.
Reminding that mediation, which started voluntarily in Türkiye in 2013, became a requirement for litigation over time, Durmuşoğlu said, "At the point we have reached today, mediation is not only a mechanism that reduces the workload of the courts, but also an important legal institution that facilitates access to justice, protects the interests of the parties, ensures the continuation of commercial relations, builds the future of the parties in dispute, and strengthens the culture of social reconciliation." made his assessment.
Stating that qualified mediation means strong justice, Durmuşoğlu said, "In the new period, what is important for us will not only be the growth of the system. Our main goal is to have a mediation system that is reliable and has high quality standards and is in constant development." he said.
"Today, the dream of building a common future brings us together"
Stating that one of the most important reasons for their coming together was to determine the common law vision in the Turkish world, Durmuşoğlu said, "The developing economic, cultural and political cooperation between the Turkish states necessitates a stronger institutionalization in the field of law." he said.
Referring to the importance of mutual experience sharing, Durmuşoğlu said, "It is time not only to know each other, but also to produce, learn and create a standard together." he said.
Durmuşoğlu made suggestions that a common mediation training standard could be established in the Turkish world, common mediation ethical principles could be determined, and international mediator exchange programs could be organized, and also noted that an international mediation center could be established in the Turkish world.
Mediation Department Head Durmuşoğlu said, "A common history brought us together in the past. Today, the dream of establishing a common future brings us together. I believe that as cooperation in the field of law strengthens, economic relations will strengthen, our trade will develop, our investment environment will become safer and most importantly, the sense of trust between nations will be strengthened." he said.
"Now is the time to build institutions that will carry this common heritage into the future."
Erikel, President of the Turkish World Mediators Association, said that they came together in line with a common vision of law and a belief in the construction of a common future.
Stating that, as the Turkish World Mediators Union, they aspire to plan the future, Erikel stated that they announced the 2035 Vision and put forward a new road map for the future of common law.
Emphasizing that it is time for the Turkish world to rely more on its own lawyers, mediators and institutional capacity in resolving legal disputes between people and institutions, Erikel said, "We have the knowledge, experience and institutional capacity to solve our own problems within the framework of international law principles, with our own trained human resources. Now is the time to institutionalize this with a stronger cooperation." shared his opinion.
Stating that they have initiated activities to create a digital law and mediation infrastructure centered on the Turkish world, Erikel said, "Thanks to this platform, real persons, companies and institutions anywhere in the world will be able to bring their disputes to the system through a secure digital environment and reach fast, reliable and effective solutions through our expert mediators." he said.
Emphasizing that their goal is not just to establish a digital platform, Erikel said, "Our goal is to institutionalize trust in the digital environment and put technology at the service of the law." he said.
Stating that their goal is not to create an institution that only resolves disputes, Erikel said, "Our goal is to create a permanent institutional structure that produces knowledge in the field of law, builds trust and develops international cooperation." he said.
Pointing out that the Turkish states are the heirs of a common civilization, Erikel, President of the Turkish World Mediators Union, continued his words as follows:
"Now is the time to build institutions that will carry this common heritage to the future. In the 21st century, strong legal institutions as well as strong states will shape the future. We believe that the common law future of the Turkish world will be built with common institutions, and common institutions will be built with a common vision. Civilizations rise not only with great states but also with strong legal institutions. We aim to leave a permanent legacy to the future by building the common law institutions of the Turkish world. We do not want to be a generation that only talks about the common history of the Turkish world. We want to be the generation that establishes common law institutions."