We are delighted to share a summary of the 71st CEBC Business Meeting, held in the vibrant city of Istanbul, Türkiye, from October 26 to 28, 2025. The event, hosted by the Association of Building Control and Earthquake Engineering (YDDMD), centered on the theme “Resilient Buildings for Climate Change and Natural Disasters.”

The official proceedings began on October 27 at the Mövenpick Hotel Istanbul Marmara Sea. Opening addresses were delivered by Mr. Sergio Vazquez, President of CEBC; Mr. Nazmi Şahin, President of YDDMD; and Ms. Banu Aslan, Director General of Vocational Services at the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change of the Republic of Türkiye.

The first morning session offered a comprehensive overview of Türkiye’s building control system, presented by Mr. Hakan Yılmaz of the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change. This was followed by Mr. Murat Bayram, who discussed the effects of climate change and mitigation strategies in urban planning. Ms. Aynur Miray Sert provided further insight into the role of municipalities in the national building control structure.

After a networking lunch, the focus turned to earthquake resilience, one of Türkiye’s most critical engineering challenges. Esteemed experts Prof. Hakkı Polat Gülkan (Başkent University), Prof. Ahmet Yakut, and Prof. Barış Binici (both from Middle East Technical University) delivered a joint presentation on seismic safety and structural adaptation.
The day concluded with an interactive workshop on resilient buildings for climate change and natural disasters, encouraging participants to exchange practical approaches and innovative ideas.

The following day, October 28, resumed with a keynote by Mr. Vytautas Ambrazas of the OECD on how to build smarter building control systems to better manage public safety risks.
The morning continued with CEBC Members’ Updates, where representatives from across Europe shared national developments and new initiatives in building control.

During the CEBC Business Session, delegates reviewed project updates, discussed amendments to the CEBC Bylaws, and held the election of new Vice President and Policy Committee Member. The General Assembly approved Mr Kyriacos Kouros (Ministry of Interior – Cyprus) on this position and Mr Steve Evans (NHBC- UK) as a new Policy Committee Member. The session also included the financial report and other organisational matters.

The meeting concluded with closing remarks and lunch, marking the end of a productive and forward-looking assembly.

Our sincere appreciation goes first to Mr. Nazmi Şahin for his leadership and support, and to the entire host organization YDDMD for their warm hospitality and outstanding commitment. We also extend our thanks to all participants and speakers who contributed to the success of the meeting. The 71st CEBC Business Meeting in Istanbul stood out as an engaging forum that reinforced the network’s shared dedication to resilient, sustainable, and safer building practices across Europe.