ICCA’s message to Istanbul
Once more a vicious attack has taken place on a symbol of global freedom of movement and connectivity between peoples.
With deep sadness, we can only repeat the messages of solidarity that the ICCA community expressed during IMEX: This is a time when ICCA’s global community must stand in solidarity with our colleagues in Istanbul and the rest of Türkiye, who are suffering as a result of delegate fears and conference cancellations in the wake of recent terror attacks. ICCA members from the major European destinations recognise the vital role Istanbul’s meetings industry has played over recent decades as a bridge between Europe and the Middle East, fostering dynamic scientific and business collaboration, and cross-cultural understanding. We all suffer when this bridge is damaged, and we will support our Turkish friends as they work to restore confidence and rebuild their business. At the same time, we know and appreciate that all ICCA members in Türkiye are deeply saddened by the suffering endured by their European colleagues whose cities have been targeted. In these difficult times, all ICCA members are reminded that international meetings are a force for good in the world, and that this unites all competitors in a common fight for civilised values.
Be certain that the ICCA community will rally round to support fellow members of our global family.
The words of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in the aftermath of this attack also bear repeating:
“The bombs that exploded in Istanbul today could have gone off at any airport in any city around the world. Make no mistake: for terrorist organisations there is no difference between Istanbul and London, Ankara and Berlin, Izmir and Chicago or Antalya and Rome.”
“Unless all government and the entire mankind join forces in the fight against terrorism, much worse things than what we fear to imagine today will come true.”
See also: http://www.iccaworld.com/npps/story.cfm?nppage=5874
