It is a great pleasure for me to announce that the Ministry of Labour and Social Security ofTurkey (MLSST) will co-host the XIX World Congress on Safety and Health at Work from 11-15 September 2011 in İstanbul, Turkey, together with the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the International Social Security Association (ISSA).

The global financial and economic crisis has had adverse effects on employment and working life, and also on occupational safety and health all over the world. Global challenges necessitate global cooperation and one of the most effective and efficient ways is to invest jointly in a safe working environment which will promote well-being and boost productivity by means of eliminating injuries and illnesses.

İstanbul is a cradle of civilizations and cultures - the only city in the world to straddle two continents, Asia and Europe, with a history of over 2,500 years. It is the European Capital of Culture 2010. İstanbul and the regions nearby are also very important centers for industry and international trade.

To participate in the XIX World Congress in İstanbul will be a good opportunity for decision-makers, safety and health professionals, employers' and workers' representatives and other stakeholders who are active in the field of occupational safety and health in order to ensure close cooperation in the exchange of information with experts all around the world and also to explore one of the most famous towns and cultures in the world.

I would like to invite you all to the XIX World Congress in İstanbul and look very much forward to meeting you there!

Wishing you all a healthy and safe future,

   Ömer DİNÇER