Turkey an example for world on empathy, aid: UN envoy

By Ayse Yildiz

ANTALYA, Turkey (AA) - Turkey’s empathy expressed through its humanitarian aid sets an example for the rest of the world, according to a visiting United Nations goodwill ambassador.

At “Let’s Talk” -- an event on women’s health in Turkey's Mediterranean province of Antalya -- Russian supermodel and UN envoy Natalia Vodianova told Anadolu Agency on Friday that important actions for women are being taken in Turkey.

She said that Turkey’s tremendous efforts for refugees should be recognized as that they provide a “big lesson” on empathy for developing countries.

Vodianova stressed the importance of providing reproductive education for girls.

Also in Antalya, Natalia Kanem, executive director of the UN Population Fund (UNFPA), said the event was “wonderful” as it served to break the silence about important women’s health issues.

She praised Turkish first lady Emine Erdogan’s championing women’s issues and particularly stopping child marriages.

“We are learning from each other why it’s so important for girls to have information about their bodies so that they can protect themselves, finish their schooling, and have a happy life,” Kanem said.