At Concordia International Funeral Services, we
recognize our duty to build a more sustainable
and just future. Operating from Türkiye for over
20 years, we actively align our services with the
United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development
Goals (SDGs) by integrating social responsibility,
environmental awareness, and ethical practices
into our operations.
Our Commitment to SDGs includes:
• SDG 1: No Poverty, SDG 2: Zero Hunger
and SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and
Production – In line with our cultural values, we
sacrifice sheep multiple times a year, distributing
the meat to those in need. We ensure nothing goes
to waste – wool is provided to those who can use
it for clothing or other necessities. Additionally,
when personal belongings are left by a late loved
one and not wanted by the family, we ensure they
are donated to those in need, helping to reduce
waste and support local communities. We also
provide low-cost funeral services for families facing
financial difficulties, ensuring dignified care for all.
• SDG 5: Gender Equality – We are committed to
equal employment opportunities for both men
and women. Our leadership reflects this, with
the company being led by a woman, Ms. Hatice
Dolphijn.
• SDG 13: Climate Action & SDG 15: Life on Land
– We offer families the chance to plant a tree in
memory of their loved ones, and for every tree
planted by family members, we plant another.
This initiative supports reforestation, biodiversity,
and climate action, providing comfort to grieving
families while making a positive environmental
impact and combating global warming.
• SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
– We provide legal assistance to families, particularly
those who have lost a loved one abroad. Dealing
with legal authorities both in Türkiye and abroad
can be complex and overwhelming. We handle all
the necessary paperwork and procedures, ensuring
families can focus on their grief while we navigate
the bureaucratic challenges on their behalf.
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – Our
collaborations with caring global organizations such
as FIAT-IFTA provide us with valuable insights and
opportunities to continuously improve ourselves
and our services. Through these partnerships, we
strive to better support the families we serve while
making a positive impact on the world around us.
Implementation and Challenges
Implementing sustainable practices requires careful
coordination. Distributing sacrificial offerings
and personal belongings of a late loved one
fairly and ensuring ethical employment demand
ongoing commitment. The tree-planting initiative
requires research and long-term maintenance, but
its environmental benefits outweigh the challenges.
Providing affordable funeral services to some can
raise concerns about fairness. However, we firmly
believe that everyone, regardless of financial
status, deserves access to dignified care.
Assisting families with legal matters after a
death abroad also presents challenges. It requires
working with international authorities and legal
experts to streamline complex processes. Despite
the difficulties, we remain committed to offering
compassionate and professional support to those
grieving the loss of a loved one.
At Concordia, we believe that by taking proactive
steps today, we can contribute to a more balanced,
inclusive, and environmentally responsible world
for future generations.
SHAPING
THE FUTURE
BALANCED, INCLUSIVE
AND SUSTAINABLE
By Felix Etici, representative of Concordia Funeral
Services Türkiye
24
No. 109 – SPRING 2025 | THANOS MAGAZINE
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