The GAP Administration shares its people-oriented practices and experiences based on a sustainable integrated regional development approach through cooperation agreements with international institutions, organizations and universities. Moreover, within the framework of GAP as a water-based development project, it has played an active role in the administrative and technical decision-making processes of global water organizations, developed joint projects with other international organizations, and obtained loan and grant financing from some foreign governments.
As GAP adopted the philosophy of sustainable human development as an innovative approach, international interest in the project increased and the technical and financial contributions of foreign countries and organizations intensified, especially after 1995.
In this context, various projects and grant programs were carried out with international institutions and organizations such as the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), European Union (EU), World Bank, United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
In addition, cooperation activities have been carried out with many foreign institutions, organizations and universities in order to share knowledge and experience, exchange experts and transfer technology in the integrated regional development process. These include: Arizona State University, Packard Humanities Institute (PHI), Egyptian Southern Valley Development Authority (TOSKHA), Mediterranean Agricultural Research Organization (CHIEAM-IAMB), Syrian Center for Agricultural Research in Arid Areas (ICARDA)
Relations with International Water Organizations
As a sustainable integrated and regional development project based on water, it is great importance for GAP to be represented in international platforms by exchanging views with various international water organizations and taking part in the decision-making mechanisms of these organizations at the beginning of the 21st century, when the global importance of water resources is recognized.
The GAP Administration became a member of the World Water Council in 1997 with the mission of raising awareness and sensitivity about water at global, regional and local levels, including top decision makers, developing effective conservation, planning and management, ensuring the use of water in all its dimensions within the framework of environmental sustainability. In this context, we participate in the World Water Forum Managers' Meeting held annually in Marseille, France and the World Water Forum series organized every 3 years to develop a strategic vision based on integrated water resources management and to promote effective policies and strategies for implementation. Today, it is still a member of the World Water Council.
In this direction, GAP Administration has developed its relations with international organizations such as Global Water Partnership (GWP), Tokyo Club, International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage, International Hydraulic Energy Association (IHA), World Water Council (WWC). It has actively participated in the governing bodies of water organizations as “Secretary General” and Chairman of the “Finance and By-Laws Regulation” Committee of the International Water Resources Association; as a member of the “Board of Governors” and “Treasurer” of the World Water Council.
The International Water Resources Association once awarded the Millennium Award for the year 2000 to the GAP Administration for GAP's successful work in water management, environmental protection and women's participation.
