Turkey has assumed the Chairmanship of the UNRWA Advisory Commission (AdCom) on 1 July 2018 for the duration of one year. The Advisory Commission, with its 27 members provides assistance and advice to the UNRWA Commissioner General.

Established by the UN General Assembly with the aim of protecting Palestinian refugees and improving their living conditions, UNRWA currently provides education to more than 530 thousand students in 700 schools, health services to 3.5 million patients, food and financial assistance to 1.7 million refugees every year, as well as infrastructure support in nearly 60 refugee camps.

Turkey, in line with the importance it places on the Palestinian issue and which has been a member of UNRWA since its establishment in 1949, strives to support the Agency to the fullest extent. In this context, as the Advisory Commission Vice Chair between 1 July 2017 and 1 July 2018, Turkey made significant increases to its contributions to the Agency.

In order for UNRWA to continue its services without disruptions in the face of its growing financial problems, Turkey, as the Chair of the Advisory Commission, will continue its efforts to place the Agency on a more predictable, sustainable and sufficient financial footing. In this context, our priorities include widening the donor-base and geographical diversity.