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Comissão dos Direitos da Pessoa Idosa Marca Presença no G20 e Reforça a Necessidade de Políticas Públicas para o Envelhecimento Ativo e Saudável

Comissão dos Direitos da Pessoa Idosa Marca Presença no G20 e Reforça a Necessidade de Políticas Públicas para o Envelhecimento Ativo e Saudável https://blogdoluizcouto.blogspot.com/2024/11/comissao-dos-direitos-da-pessoa-idosa.html?m=1 novembro 17, 2024 A Comissão de Defesa dos Direitos da Pessoa Idosa (CIDOSO), participou durante todos os dias da programação do G20 Social, no Rio de Janeiro e realizou um seminário sobre Transição Demográfica e Desafios para um Envelhecimento Ativo e Saudável, promovido no contexto da Cúpula do G20. O evento se mostrou de extrema importância para o debate sobre políticas públicas voltadas à população idosa, especialmente em relação às doenças neurodegenerativas, que afetam cada vez mais os idosos no Brasil e no mundo. Durante o seminário, que contou com a presença dos deputados membros da Comissão do Idoso da Câmara, Luiz Couto Alexandre Lindenmeyer, Pastor Gil, Osessio Silva, Flávia Moraes e Reimont, além de especialistas em neurociência, foi discutido o crescente desafio das doenças do cérebro e a necessidade de enfrentá-las com mais recursos e atenção, em particular no contexto do envelhecimento da população global. Ao final do seminário, a Comissão de Defesa dos Direitos da Pessoa Idosa entregou ao ministro Felipe Sherpa, representante do G20, um documento formalizando o compromisso de incluir a Transição Demográfica e o Envelhecimento Populacional como temas prioritários no relatório final da Cúpula do G20. A proposta busca garantir que a temática do envelhecimento ativo seja considerada na agenda internacional de saúde e bem-estar, com ênfase no desenvolvimento de políticas públicas adequadas para a população idosa. O deputado Luiz Couto, em sua fala de encerramento, destacou a importância da inclusão da questão do envelhecimento no debate global e a urgência de ações concretas para enfrentar os desafios impostos pela transição demográfica. “O envelhecimento da população é uma realidade crescente e, para que nossos idosos possam viver com qualidade de vida, é fundamental que se invista em políticas públicas de saúde, prevenção e educação. Precisamos dar um passo firme para garantir que a dignidade e os direitos dos idosos sejam respeitados em todas as esferas, tanto no Brasil quanto no mundo”, afirmou o deputado. “Com a participação efetiva dos deputados e a colaboração dos especialistas em neurociência, a Comissão de Defesa dos Direitos da Pessoa Idosa reafirma seu compromisso com a luta por um envelhecimento saudável e ativo, além de contribuir para a construção de políticas públicas que atendam às necessidades da população idosa no Brasil e no cenário mundial”, disse deputado Reimont, Presidente da CIDOSO.

Neuroscience20 working group come together at the Rio de Janeiro two days before G20 leaders’ Summit

Neuroscience20 working group come together at the Rio de Janeiro two days before G20 leaders’ Summit World leaders in mental health, cancer, and neurotech come together to discuss how to curb human and financial costs of neurological and neuro-psychiatric disorders to the world economy, which is more than $16T annually Los Angeles, California// in 2014 Society for Brain Mapping and Therapeutics (SBMT) launched the largest international partnership across brain, cancer, mental health and spine initiatives bringing together world leaders, scientists, clinicians, engineers, policymakers, industry leaders, government officials. NGOs/non-profits started to form a Neuroscience20(20) working group. N20 now include G20 countries plus new guest members every year and has been the force behind the global leader’s G20 Summit understanding and raising awareness about the cost of neurological disorders to the world economy of $16T. In addition, N20 has been working with the World Bank, WHO, the White House, the U.S. Congressional Precision Medicine and Congressional Neuroscience Caucus, Brazilian, Indian, Japanese, Mexican, Argentinian, Australian, Canadian, and E.U. members of parliaments to ensure the human and financial costs of neurological, mental, and spine disorders are addressed through a global neurotech innovation and policy including introductions of advanced therapeutics and diagnostics, which could save billions in costs.  “This year at the N20, we have 9 members of Brazilian Parliament and officials from the ministry of Health and Technologies of Brazil; we are truly honored to work closely with the Brazilian Parliament, the US Congress and parliaments of G20 countries to address the alarm in raise in the human and financial cost of neurological, neuropsychiatric disorders and cancer”, said, Dr. Babak Kateb, Founding Chairman of the Board of SBMT, Chairman of N20 Global Working Group and President of World Brain Mapping Foundation  According to the World Health Organization’s large-scale studies, about a third of the worldwide adult population suffer from mental disorders such as depression, anxiety and schizophrenia. If also taken together with neurological disorders, such as dementia and stroke, these “disorders of the brain” account for 13% of the global disease burden. This surpasses cardiovascular diseases (5%) and cancer (10%). Countries with the highest-burden rate> 650 Disability Adjusted Life Years per 100,000 population include the USA, China, India, U.K., Russia, and Australia.  “It is critical that we establish brain screening the same way we screen other organs, such as breast and prostate, so we can detect neurological disorders earlier and better treatment at the earliest stage” said, Dr. Marcos Wagner, President of N20-Brazil and professor of neurosurgery. The annual cost of taking care of patients with neurological disorders in the U.S. alone approaches $1.5T, of which $200B is for Alzheimer patients, and for the world, the annual cost today is estimated at $16T. In China, 975,000+ people die annually from brain trauma alone, and the Alzheimer population in the Australasia corridor is rapidly rising. Thus, the European Union, China, India, Japan and Australia are not immune from such high cost of healthcare because of significant government insurance coverage. “At N20, we also focused on how better detect, prevent and cure cancer because by 2050, 35.3+ million cancer cases are expected, which is a 76.6% increase from the 2022 (20 million). Unfortunately, 18.5 million cancer deaths are projected by 2050, which is about 90%% increase from 2022 (9.7 million).  The global and the G20 country population is growing and aging, which contributes to the rising number of cancer cases; therefore, we need to create a united front to battle this using AI, Quantum/supercomputing and nanotechnology.” said, Dr. Vicky Yamamoto, Executive Director, 20th President of SBMT and Cance Scientist at Keck School of Medicine of USC and USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Canter.   N20 program brings finest world leaders and scientists together. This year Honorable (Hon.) Federal Deputy Pedro Doshikazu Pianchao Aihara, President of Committee for the Defense of Rights of Elderly in the Chamber of Deputies will be discussing Brazil policy on aging followed by and panel discussion by Brazilian members of parliament Hon. Luiz Albuquerque Couto, Hon. Gildenemir de  Lima Sousa, Hon. Zacharias Cali Hamu, Ho. Flavia Carrerio Albuqurerque Morais, Hon. Ossesio Jose da Silva, Hon. Reimont Luiz Otoni Santa Barbara, Hon. Geraldo Resende Pereira and the Hon. United States Congressman Eric Swalwell and Dr. Manuel Hernandez Salazar (Mexican Delegation).  “We are truly honored to have such a remarkable summit and luminary scientists and policymakers in Brazil and exited to remail engaged in this effort of saving millions of live through applying advance neurotechnology and policies” said Lt. Colonel Dr. Jorge Luiz Amorim Correa, Member of the N20 Brazil program committee.  Keynotes including Hon Daniel Almeida Filho, Federal Secretary of Technology Development and Innovation of the Ministry of Technology and Innovation; Dr.  Babak Kateb, Chairman of N20 who will be speaking on the role of AI and immerging neuro-technologies on global healthcare, Dr. Giulio Maria Pasinetti, Director of the Center on Molecular Integrative Neuro-resilience at Mount Sinai School of Medicine covering The State-of-the-science and Technology for the diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer’s and Dementia. Dr. Sheila Martins, professor of Neurology at Federal University of Rio will be addressing the Global Policy on Stroke Prevention and Treatment.  Drs. Daniel Diez and Jaime Addan (European delegation from Spain-Connectoma Corporation) , will present their pioneering software for repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS), which will have the FDA approval by the end of the year.  The program will cover the role of the neurotech in cancer, neuro-degenerative disorders, neuro-psychiatric disorders, neurotrauma, spinal disorders, epilepsy, and recommend the brain screening as the key global action item to detect and treat neurological disorders earlier, reducing the cost of the healthcare and increase healthcare efficiency. This program is made possible by generous contributions of Aramis Therapeutics, World Brain Mapping Foundation,  Brain Technology and Innovation Park (BTIP), Society for Brain Mapping and Therapeutics (SBMT), Connectoma Corporation, and Uskudar University in partnership with Brazilian Airforce, DIRSA, Club Aeronatica, Minister of Technology and Innovation of Brazil, and the Parliament of Brazil, World Stroke Organization, Rede Brasil AVC, NASP, MUSAL, Pharmacia Saude, Angels Initiative, ALLM,  Hospital Moinhos de Vento, Lavimpi and Hanger 7 Eventos. For more information about the program please visit our website at: Neuroscience20 Brazil 2024 – Society for Brain Mapping and Therapeutics For more information about SBMT and N20 please visit

Luiz Couto receives specialists in neurosurgery and AI and takes a delegation to ministries

Federal deputy Luiz Couto received in his office, on Tuesday (11/07), a delegation composed by the neurosurgeon and president of the Northeastern Society of Neurosurgery, Marcos Wagner de Sousa Porto, and the president of the Society of Brain Mapping and Therapeutics and organizer of N20 India (Neuroscience20), Babak Kateb. The meeting aimed to discuss the mental health of the elderly and the aging process in Latin America, in addition to talking about new equipment that can contribute to medicine, through Artificial Intelligence for diagnosis and treatment of diseases and brain disorders. “We were approached by these specialists in neurosurgery to build a bridge with the ministries and we very openly welcomed this effort to seek innovative and advanced solutions for the treatment of brain diseases and issues related to aging. The team showed us the importance of artificial intelligence and new medical equipment in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases related to the brain and aging, which we understand as essential in today’s times, with the evolution of medicine and neuroscience, for the well-being of people, especially with regard to aging with quality of life”, highlighted Luiz Couto. Meetings in Ministries – After talking with the specialists, the deputy scheduled meetings and took the entourage to the ministries of Foreign Affairs and Science, Technology and Innovation. At the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the deputy and the entourage were received by the first secretary, Flávio Luís Pazeto, responsible for the General Coordination of the G20. The entourage that accompanied the Deputy, in addition to the neurosurgeon Marcos Wagner de Sousa Porto and the president of the Brain Mapping and Therapeutics Society, Babak Kateb, also had the presence of the president of Associação Reabilitar, Benjamim Pessoa Vale. One of the main subjects discussed was the Federal Government’s support for the participation of the country’s representatives in the event in New Delhi, India, which will take place on September 8, 2023. On that occasion, a debate will be held on the N20 – Brazil – 2024, an event scheduled to take place in Rio de Janeiro in November 2024. The central objective of N20 – Brazil – 2024 is to focus on the discussion of the mental health of the elderly and the aging process in Latin America. To this end, the Brazilian government seeks to strengthen the G20 government track, ensuring effective and relevant participation in the meeting. During the meeting, First Secretary Flávio Luís Pazeto expressed his gratitude for the visit of Deputy Luiz Couto and stressed that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs always has its doors open to accept his demands. He also highlighted the government’s interest in accompanying and actively participating in the G20 government track, especially in issues related to the mental health of the elderly. At the Ministries of Health and Science and Technology, the delegation was received by Minister Luciana Santos. One of the points discussed was the minister’s request for support for the development of research on epilepsy. According to neurosurgeon Marcos Wagner Porto, many patients from Paraíba need to travel to Goiânia for treatment. According to the specialist, Paraíba needs to build a specific treatment center for epilepsy, with research and innovative technology. In addition, the minister was also invited by Babak Kateb to participate in the thematic groups that will meet in New Delhi, on September 8 of this year, to discuss the issue of mental health in Latin America. The parliamentarian and the doctors also handed over an invitation for the minister to participate in the XIX Northeastern Congress of Neurosurgery, which will take place between November 23 and 25, 2024, in Recife. The congress will be attended by doctors from different countries, such as China, Finland, Argentina, United States and India. The Minister stated that the Brazilian government is rescuing policies aimed at the development of research and social development policies that had been undone during the Bolsonaro administration. She pointed out that they will resume the agenda with the health technological complex, uniting the health and technology portfolios to present a specific document on mental health at the G6, which brings together Brazil, Australia, India, the United States, the European Union and Japan. In addition, “the Ministry of Technology and Sciences recovered a budgetary support fund to finance scientific research in the country. The Lula government is committed to promoting advances in Brazilian research and science,” said the minister at the meeting. Luciana Santos also informed that she is forming a working group with doctors from Brazil and abroad to address the issue and promptly invited doctors Marcos Wagner de Sousa Porto, Babak Kateb and Benjamim Pessoa Vale to participate. Deputy Luiz Couto will be the guest of honor

Üsküdar researchers are in the earthquake region…

Within the scope of TÜBİTAK 1002-C Natural Disasters Focused Field Work Emergency Support Program, scientists from Üsküdar University made investigations in the earthquake region of Hatay. Within the scope of the project titled “Investigation of the Concentration of Respirable Dust in the Region Connected to the Destruction of Structures and Search-Rescue Activities after the Earthquake”, the team carried out studies in the region and carried out dust measurements that cause lung cancer in occupational diseases during the search and rescue and debris removal stages. The project team led by Üsküdar University Faculty of Health Sciences Head of Occupational Health and Safety Department Asst. Prof. Rüştü Uçan Rüştü Uçan, went to Hatay to carry out studies on the field immediately after the earthquake. In the research carried out between February 16 and February 22, observations were made in terms of Occupational Health and Safety. According to the results of the observation, search and rescue teams, NGO officials and military personnel in the field were warned to use masks. The coordinator of the project accepted by TÜBİTAK, was Üsküdar University Faculty of Health Sciences Department of Occupational Health and Safety RA Tuğçe Oral. Those who were in the project team are as follows; instructor at Istanbul Medeniyet University Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Department of Physical Engineering Prof. Emine Can,  faculty member of Üsküdar University Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Occupational Health and Safety Assoc. Prof. Dr. Müge Ensari Özay, Dokuz Eylül University Vocational School of Health Services instructor Assoc. Prof. Ayşe Coşkun Beyan, Head of Occupational Health and Safety Department within Üsküdar University Faculty of Health Sciences Asst. Prof. Rüştü Uçan,  Üsküdar University Vocational School of Health Services, Department of Nuclear Technology and Radiation Safety instructor Dilek Aker, the İstanbul Metropolitan Municipality (İMM)  Occupational Health and Safety Directorate, Occupational Hygiene Laboratory Officers Onur Taşkınoğlu and Kenan Çelik. Within the scope of the project, it was aimed to reveal the effect on the structures destroyed after the earthquake, the earthquake victims who were exposed to the breathable dust clouds formed during the search and rescue operations, and the teams who are carrying out search-and-rescue activities. The objectives among the objectives of the project emphasized are as follows; the importance of respirable dust, and the establishment of an additional health screening and early diagnosis and treatment opportunity in the teams carrying out search-and-rescue activities and earthquake victims over time, the importance of respiratory system protectors in the debris removal process and the importance of making the environment moist is a determining factor in health measures. In respirable dust concentration measurement at the field, ‘HSE MDHS 14/3 Method Inhalable & Gravimetric of Collect Dust’ method was used. With the cooperation carried out with the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Occupational Health and Safety Directorate, studies were carried out in the field of measurement with dust collection pump for 5 days in the earthquake region by using ‘GilAir Plus Powder Sampling Pump, Zefon Filter, Radwag As 3100.x2 Plus Precision Scale’ in the Occupational Hygiene laboratory affiliated to the directorate. The samples taken were weighed in a suitable area and the time and the measured gram amount were made over an 8-hour time frame and the amount of breathable dust exposed to the people in the region was calculated in grams. Measurement times and measurement periods were made with reference to HSE MDHS 14/3 METHOD. The results of the 5-day study will be shared in the next few days. Üsküdar News Agency (ÜNA)

Earthquake volunteers told about their experiences

Üsküdar University family and volunteer students who went to support Kahramanmaraş after the earthquakes that were effective in 11 provinces based in Kahramanmaraş on February 6 and called the disaster of the century came together with President of Üsküdar University Prof. Nevzat Tarhan and Rector Prof. Nazife Güngör in the senate hall. Üsküdar University ranks first among the universities that send the most volunteers to the earthquake region among the university organizations on the Anatolian side. Most of the aid provided to the earthquake region was carried out by the clubs of which the students were members within the scope of the Health, Culture and Sports Department of the university. Among the student clubs that the students participated in, there were student clubs such as AFAD Club, Kızılay Club, Psychology Club, Büyüdüm Çocuk Oldum (I Grew Up to Be a Child Club), Outdoor Sports Club and Metaverse and Entrepreneurship Club. Tarhan and Güngör accepted the Üsküdar family who carried out volunteer work in the earthquake region. President of Üsküdar University Prof. Nevzat Tarhan and Üsküdar University Rector Prof. Nazife Güngör accepted the Üsküdar students, who carried out successful voluntary activities, in the Senate hall. Prof. Nevzat Tarhan: “This is an act of volunteerism and devotion” Prof. Nevzat Tarhan stated that he was very touched by the sensitivity shown by the students after the earthquake and said: “You have started an act of kindness. This is an act of volunteerism and dedication. On the first day of the earthquake, you gathered among yourselves although we did not say anything, and you made over 1500 packages. This is a really important event, a great series of memories that you will never forget in your university life and in your own life. Whether this is also a beginning for you, being able to use this intention, effort and this perspective in every positive and negative event in life is a great life experience and an important gain for you. These disasters and difficult conditions are a more maturing process for young people.”. Prof. Nevzat Tarhan: “Let’s turn it into a book under the name of earthquake diary” Prof. Nevzat Tarhan emphasized that students should act as a team in an organized manner and said that “The biggest reason you can create this beautiful union right now is because you can be organized. Since you can be organized and work in teams, everyone is a part of this team. That’s why some of them stand out more and some of them stay in the background, but in the end, they are all part of this team. In this respect, it is very important to maintain this excitement. As an institution, our duty is to create our ground and provide opportunities against such activities. In order for this act of kindness to be permanent, we need to keep it alive on our own digital platforms, we need to continue this movement so that it can be an example to young people and others can benefit from it as a reference. It is really important to turn the experiences here into a documentary. Everyone should write about their experiences while they are fresh, and we can even turn them into a book under the name of an earthquake diary if necessary.”. Prof. Nazife Güngör: “University means leading the society” Prof. Nazife Güngör stated that Üsküdar University students were models and leaders after the disaster of the century and said that “I wish such an incident and disaster had not happened, but it is happening when it does, my friends. University means to lead the society, and we will do what is necessary in this direction and you are doing it. Congratulations on being embraced this situation. You are an example to young people, an example to the society and a support to the society.”. Göngör: “Every student should write about their experiences” Prof. Nazife Güngör, who continued her remarks on earthquake diaries, said: “Each of our friends should express their feelings because the emotional relationship you all have is different even though you have all seen the same environments. One of you is influenced by little Tuğba, the other by a quote by little Mehmet, so if you express these feelings personally in the form of a few pages of essays, each of you will have a part. These essays are organized by a professor or a friend with a strong pen, and we publish our page in digital book format as Üsküdar Publications under the name of earthquake diary. In this way, we will make these experiences permanent.”. Teknofest Finalists came together Üsküdar University Faculty of Medicine Metaverse and Entrepreneurship Club students participated in Teknofest with the “META-TIP” project. The team was among the finalists at Teknofest with 89.5 points. In the project team carried out under the supervision of Üsküdar University Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics Cihan Taştan and Dr. Nebiye Yaşar, Project Captain Intern Dr. Mustafa Şanverdi from Üsküdar University Faculty of Medicine, Üsküdar University Computer Engineering student Metaverse and Entrepreneurship Club President Emre Kaan Şanverdi participated voluntarily in the works carried out in the earthquake region. Those who participated in the meeting held at the Central Campus Senate Hall are as follows; Üsküdar University Secretary General Şelçuk Uysaler, Young Minds Academy Application and Research Center Director Dr. Nebiye Yaşar, Haydi Tut Elimi (Hold My Hand) Association Secretary General Ayşe Banu Güncenci, HCS Department Head Özcan Demir, Corporate Communication Department Head Tahsin Aksu, HCS Manager Sadık Paksoy, Event Manager Dağhan Rasim Işık, HCS Event Specialist Meliha Merve Günaltay and Media Relations Specialist Ayşe Nur Akçelik İlgeç. The event ended with a group photo shoot. Üsküdar News Agency (ÜNA)

Üsküdar family is in the earthquake region during Ramadan…

Üsküdar University is again in the earthquake zone, which has been continuing to give support and works for the region after the disaster of the century experienced in Kahramanmaraş on February 6 and that caused devastating results in 11 provinces. Üsküdar family who delivered the aid they collected to the earthquake victims in Kahramanmaraş and Hatay during Ramadan, spent a long time with the earthquake victims. Üsküdar family brought gifts to the children who felt the pain of the earthquake most deeply and relived their pain even if just little bit with the colorful and entertaining activities they organized. After the earthquakes that were effective in 11 provinces and called the disaster of the century, the earthquake victims in Kahramanmaraş and Hatay were visited under the leadership of Üsküdar University Health, Culture and Sports (HCS) Department and Haydi Tut Elimi (Hold My Hand) Association. Little children were not forgotten during the visit where supplies and clothes were delivered. The academic and administrative staff and students of the Üsküdar family delivered the aid they collected to the earthquake victims in Kahramanmaraş and Hatay. Üsküdar family visited Dedeler Primary and Secondary School in Kahramanmaraş Türkoğlu, Reyhanlı Education Campus and tent cities in Hatay. The event was attended by HCS Director Sadık Paksoy, Üsküdar University Young Minds Academy Director Dr. Nebiye Yaşar, HCS Specialist Selman Utku, Haydi Tut Elimi Association Secretary Ayşe Banu Güngenci, Board of Directors members Serpil Tarhan and Ayşegül Şekli and students. Within the scope of the visit, residents of Türkoğlu district of Kahramanmaraş were also visited. Türkoğlu Mayor Osman Okumuş, Dedeler Village Headman Kahraman Güneş, Dedeler Elementary-Secondary School Principal Mustafa Bozdoğan, Dedeler Elementary-Secondary School teacher staff, village community council and village residents wholeheartedly welcomed the Üsküdar University members. They were painted together despite of the destructive pain of the earthquake… A team of 30 people who visited Dedeler Elementary-Secondary School in Türkoğlu district of Kahramanmaraş carried out activities with children and provided clothes and supplies. The volunteers created beautiful and meaningful memories with the children. Magic shows and entertaining activities with clowns were held. Face paint was done to children, and candy and balloons were given to children. The team, which met with great interest, also experienced emotional moments from time to time. Sadık Paksoy: “You will come and teach in this school again…” HCS Manager Sadık Paksoy, who is from Kahramanmaraş, informed the team about the history of the province and wished the earthquake victims and their families get well soon. Paksoy talking to the children said that “I was born in this village. I hope you will study like us and come to universities. You will be a very, very great engineer, doctor, economist, banker, teacher. You will come again and teach in these schools. May Allah not show such earthquakes again.”. The residents of Türkoğlu Dedeler Village, who expressed their thanks for the visit, hosted the team at the rich iftar table consisting of local dishes. Reyhanlı Education Campus was visited The team went to Hatay after Kahramanmaraş. They visited Reyhanlı Education Campus which is an international educational institution. Later, they visited the tent cities in the center of Antakya and offered treats to the children there. News: Ebranur Özdemir Photographs: Kaan Güzeltepe Üsküdar News Agency (ÜNA)

Üsküdar University “Earthquake Manifesto”

This year, the 5th International Congress of Positive Psychology was completed after 3-day sessions, which was organized by Üsküdar University organized with the theme of “Science of Kindness/ What does Kindness Bring? & Growth After Earthquake and Trauma“. In the “Manifesto for Post-Traumatic Growth as a Result of Earthquake” announced by the congress organizing committee, it was emphasized that traumatic experiences such as earthquakes can cause not only psychological disorders but also positive change and development. In the 7-point manifesto, attention was drawn to the lessons to be learned from the Kahramanmaraş-based earthquakes that devastated our country. In the manifesto, where it is emphasized that the earthquake should be considered as an opportunity to direct growth and development and increase awareness for all our citizens and our country, it was expressed that “Activities that support development and learning should be increased in terms of awareness, preparation and coping in all children, young people and adults in our country. As a society, steps should be taken to lead to development in terms of cooperation, mutualization and organization.”. Kahramanmaraş earthquakes must be seen as an opportunity Üsküdar University 5th International Congress of Positive Psychology was held with the theme of “Science of Kindness/ What does Kindness Bring? & Growth After Earthquake and Trauma” with the partnership of Üsküdar University, NPİSTANBUL Hospital, NP Etiler & Feneryolu Medical Center, Turkish Psychological Counselling and Guidance Association and Positive Psychology Institute. The Manifesto for Post-traumatic Growth as a Result of Earthquake was announced The congress, which was held at Üsküdar University Central Campus Nermin Tarhan Conference Hall and held as phy-gital, was completed after three days of sessions. The congress ended with the announcement of the “Manifesto for Post-Traumatic Growth as a Result of Earthquake” by the organizing committee. The disaster of the century affected physical and mental health In the manifesto, it is stated that Türkiye experienced one of the biggest disasters in its history on February 6, 2023 and said, “According to the official data of a month later on the earthquakes epicenter of which is Kahramanmaraş and affected 11 provinces, nearly 50 thousand people lost their lives, hundreds of thousands of people were injured and as many structures were damaged or destroyed. In the official statement of the United Nations (UN), it was stated that the financial loss reached 100 billion dollars. This disaster, also called the disaster of the century, has directly or indirectly affected the physical and mental health of all our citizens along with their daily lives.”. It triggers emergence of psychological disorders In the manifesto, where it is stated that such natural disasters, being unknowable in advance, trigger the emergence of psychological disorders because they awaken a sense of helplessness in the person and cause great changes in normal life and it was expressed that: “The most common of these disorders are depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. The most common symptoms of depression are reluctance, weakness, depressive mood, sleep and appetite problems, and the inability to enjoy life. Symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder include constant recall of the event after the traumatic event, avoidance of situations or events reminiscent of the trauma, and high stimulation. Such mental health problems may show different characteristics in individuals and difficulties may be seen in diagnosis and treatment.”. Traumatic experiences can lead to a positive change and development In the manifesto, where it is noted that traumatic experiences such as earthquakes can cause not only psychological disorders but also positive change and development, it is also expressed that: “The concept of post-traumatic growth refers to positive psychological changes that occur as a result of the person struggling with stressful events. These people see changes and improvements in the areas of self-understanding, social relations and philosophy of life. Pain and difficulties experienced can have consequences that support the development of the individual and society. It is thought that professional psychosocial support to be provided by experts in the field after traumatic events will support post-traumatic development.”. Being prepared of a disaster is important In the manifesto, it was emphasized that the post-earthquake period is very important in terms of healing the wounds, meeting the basic needs and providing psychosocial support activities, and it was stated that “From the first moment of the disaster, international and national organizations have stepped in and our entire society has started and continues its aid to the region in state and national mobilization. This tremendous disaster should be evaluated in terms of increasing awareness about being prepared for a disaster and disaster management by reminding the fact that our country is a country of earthquake. Not only Türkiye, but all countries around the world were witnessed sending rescue teams and aid. A neighbor country shared the message ‘We know you as strong’.”. We wanted to highlight the opportunity aspect of trauma The Organizing Committee of the 5th International Congress of Positive Psychology emphasized that they aspired to answer the question “What did this earthquake teach us?” with the items of the “Post-Traumatic Growth Scales” and that they wanted to highlight not only the threat aspect of trauma but also the opportunity aspect, and listed these results in the following 7 items: 1-In terms of apparent causes, we declare that the universal rules of civil engineering in line with the evidence-based predictions of geologists should no longer be overlooked. 2-There are not only lives left under the debris… We declare that it must be acknowledged that all social morality, including the morality of management, business and commerce left under. 3- We declare that pre-disaster planning, disaster response, recovery and reconstruction plans during the risk management phase should be done in advance, the fact that day-to-day decisions should not be given an opportunity and that it is obligatory that lessons must be learned in this regard. 4- We declare that the following lessons to be learn will be a beneficial to the growth of high values and emotions; “I understood the value of what I had better. I accept events that are beyond my