Alpaslan Düven, U.K. representative of Turkuvaz Media Group and president of the Association of Turkish-British Journalists, has been appointed "Global Ambassador for Health, Ageing and the Environment” by the Avicenna Institute (ISE), the World Ageing Organization (WAO) and the World Council for Healthy Ageing (WCHA).
The prestigious appointment was formally conferred upon Düven by professor Kemal Aydın, president of the Avicenna Institute, the World Ageing Organization and the World Council for Healthy Ageing.
In his message to Düven, Aydın said: "Dear Mr Alpaslan Düven, on behalf of the Avicenna Institute (ISE), the World Ageing Organization (WAO) and the World Council for Healthy Ageing (WCHA), I would like to express our great honor in welcoming you among us as our ‘Global Ambassador for Health, Ageing and the Environment’.”
Aydın continued by highlighting the 1,000th anniversary of Avicenna’s seminal medical work, "The Canon of Medicine (Al-Qanun fi al-Tibb)," as well as the 41st anniversary of the inclusion of the Divriği Great Mosque and hospital on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
He noted that a series of exhibitions and conferences would be held in cooperation with established foundations and associations, to commemorate and celebrate these important milestones both nationally and internationally.
Aydın also emphasized the importance of Düven’s experience and expertise in helping to shape this vision, stating that his guidance and recommendations would be highly valued.
Düven said that the appointment was a great honor, but that its significance for him went far beyond receiving a title. His connection with issues surrounding aging, human dignity and vulnerable members of society dates back to 1999, when he served as press and public relations adviser to the Darülaceze Foundation.
Darülaceze is a highly respected institution dedicated to providing care, accommodation and support to older people, vulnerable individuals, those without families, people who have been abandoned and those in need.
Reflecting on his appointment, Düven said: "I see this appointment as a great honor, but also as a profound responsibility. Perhaps what makes it even more meaningful to me is that my connection with older people and those in need goes back many years.
"In 1999, I served as Press and Public Relations Adviser to the Darülaceze Foundation. Darülaceze is a remarkable institution that opens its doors to people who, for various reasons, have found themselves without family support, older people, those who have been abandoned and others in need of care and protection.
"The people and life stories I encountered during my time at Darülaceze left a lasting impression on me. Those experiences taught me that, regardless of age or circumstances, every human being deserves dignity, compassion and the opportunity to live a life with respect.
"Today, many years later, being entrusted with the role of ‘Global Ambassador for Health, Ageing and the Environment’ feels to me like a continuation of a journey that began long ago.
"Throughout my career as a journalist, I have had the privilege of witnessing the stories, joys and hardships of people from different countries and communities. Over time, I have come to understand something very clearly: no achievement can truly be meaningful or lasting if it does not place people at its center.
"The place of older people in society, the right to healthy and dignified aging, and our responsibility to leave a healthier and more livable world for future generations are issues that concern all of us.
"Aging is a natural part of life. What matters is not simply helping people live longer, but ensuring that they can live longer lives in good health, with dignity, security and peace of mind.
"For this reason, I consider this appointment not only a source of great pride, but also a deeply personal and moral responsibility.
"Being part of a vision that carries the name of Avicenna is particularly meaningful to me. Avicenna’s contribution to medicine and science continues to inspire humanity centuries later. His legacy reminds us of the powerful connection between the knowledge of the past and the responsibilities we carry toward the future.
"I see this role as an important opportunity to help promote Türkiye's and the wider Turkish-Islamic civilization’s rich heritage in science, medicine and human-centered values on international platforms.
"I hope to use my experience in journalism and international communications to contribute to greater awareness of health, healthy aging and environmental responsibility, while encouraging younger generations to take a greater interest in these issues.
"I would like to express my sincere gratitude to professor Kemal Aydın and to the distinguished leaders and members of the Avicenna Institute, the World Ageing Organization and the World Council for Healthy Ageing for entrusting me with this responsibility.
"For me, the title itself is not what matters most. What matters is being worthy of the responsibility that comes with it. Every role that touches human life carries with it a profound responsibility of conscience.”
As Global Ambassador for Health, Ageing and the Environment, Düven is expected to take an active role in forthcoming national and international initiatives, exhibitions and conferences focusing on health, aging, science, environmental awareness and human dignity.