At the Edge of New Era: 21st Century Leadership Journey Training Programme, delivered for the second time in collaboration with Zeren Group Holding, CIFAL Istanbul, UNITAR and Bahçeşehir University, celebrated the graduation of its third cohort. Students who successfully completed the six-month learning journey received their certificates during the programme’s graduation ceremony.
The third cohort brought together 436 university students from 93 educational institutions across 45 provinces of Türkiye. Having reached more than 1,000 students to date, the At the Edge of New Era: 21st Century Leadership Journey Training Programme aims to contribute to reducing inequalities by supporting young people’s access to quality learning opportunities. The programme also seeks to raise awareness, encourage participants to translate knowledge into action, and equip students with the skills and confidence they will need throughout their future careers.
Building 21st-Century Skills Through Four Modules
The At the Edge of New Era: 21st Century Leadership Journey Training Programme was structured around four core modules: Communication, Technology, Sustainability, and Leadership. Throughout the programme, distinguished academics and professionals delivered 10 live online sessions, complemented by 19 asynchronous courses designed to deepen participants’ understanding of the topics covered.
The programme opened with the kick-off session delivered by Prof. Dr. Çisil Sohodol, Director of CIFAL Istanbul, titled “At the Edge of New Era: The 21st Century Leadership Journey.” The session explored the changing needs of today’s world, essential 21st-century competencies, and emerging approaches to future-oriented leadership.
The first module focused on strengthening students’ ability to express themselves effectively, establish meaningful relationships with different stakeholders, and develop the communication skills required in both their personal and professional lives. During the live sessions, Prof. Dr. Kemal Süher addressed the fundamental elements of communication through his course titled “Communication Skills.” Erdal Uzunoğlu, in his session titled “Networking,” focused on building professional relationships and managing them effectively and sustainably. The live sessions were supported by asynchronous courses covering effective communication through games and the arts, persuasion and influence skills, negotiation techniques, and personal brand management. Through these courses, students were encouraged to explore communication from different perspectives and apply what they learned to their social and professional lives.
The Technology Module focused on helping students understand digital transformation and the impact of emerging technologies on society, industries, and the world of work. In his live session titled “Technology Trends,” Prof. Dr. Yücel Batu Salman examined current technological developments and their potential implications for the future. Ercüment Büyükşener, through his course “Becoming a Digital Citizen,” discussed rights, responsibilities, and conscious technology use in the digital environment. The asynchronous courses covered sectoral transformation in the age of data, the fundamentals of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and new technology applications. These courses aimed to support students in becoming not only users of technology but also informed individuals capable of evaluating the opportunities and risks associated with technological developments.
The Sustainability Module examined the relationship between individual choices, institutional decisions, and their wider social and environmental consequences. In the live session titled “From Everyday Decisions to Institutional Impact: Why Does Sustainability Begin with Behaviour?” Dr. Yasemin Ülker highlighted the importance of individual awareness and behavioural change in achieving sustainable transformation. Another live session, titled “The Role of Youth in Addressing Social Challenges and the Climate Crisis,” Dr. Nilüfer Geysi focused on the responsibilities and contributions of young people in responding to contemporary social and environmental challenges. The asynchronous courses explored the role of businesses in building a sustainable future, ethical management, corporate social responsibility, corporate sustainability, ESG, and human capital investments. Through these topics, students were encouraged to view sustainability not solely as an environmental issue but as a multidimensional field encompassing social, economic, institutional, and ethical considerations.
The final module focused on the leadership competencies students will need in increasingly digitalised, rapidly changing, and uncertain professional environments. Prof. Dr. Ahmet Erkuş, in his live course titled “New Generation Leadership and Team Management,” discussed evolving leadership approaches and the fundamental principles of effective team management. Prof. Dr. Tunç Bozbura, through his session titled “Youth’s Future Leadership Journey: Will Robots Be Our Leaders in the Future?”, examined the changing relationship between technology and leadership. The module’s final live session was delivered by Prof. Dr. Ahmet Beşkese under the title “Change Management and Turning Crisis into Opportunity.” The accompanying asynchronous courses addressed emotional resilience, creative thinking, success in a VUCA world, coping with uncertainty, and leadership in the age of digital transformation.
A Development Journey from Knowledge to Action
The At the Edge of New Era: 21st Century Leadership Journey Training Programme was designed not merely as a process of transferring knowledge but as a holistic learning experience that encouraged students to connect what they learned with contemporary social, environmental, and technological challenges. Throughout the programme, participants were supported in developing greater awareness, adopting more sustainable behaviours, adapting to changing conditions, and strengthening the competencies required for their future academic and professional lives.
The graduation ceremony was presented by Aslıcan Açık, Coordination and Organization Assistant Specialist at CIFAL Istanbul, who coordinated and followed the implementation of the project throughout the programme. During the ceremony, Seda Zeren Adıgüzel, Member of the Board of Directors of Zeren Group Holding, and Prof. Dr. Çisil Sohodol, Director of CIFAL Istanbul, delivered speeches reflecting on the programme’s objectives, achievements, and contribution to young people’s development. Graduating students Arya Gürses, Barış Yavaş, and Sıla Soylu also took the stage to share their experiences and reflections. The students thanked the partner institutions, academics, and programme team, emphasising that the training had broadened their perspectives, strengthened their personal and professional competencies, and provided valuable guidance for their future academic and career journeys.
By bringing together Bahçeşehir University’s academic expertise, BAUGO’s digital learning infrastructure, the training and capacity-building approach of CIFAL Istanbul and UNITAR, and Zeren Group Holding’s commitment to youth development, the At the Edge of New Era: 21st Century Leadership Journey Training Programme continues to support young people in becoming more informed, capable, and future-ready individuals.
The second term of “Enerjisa: A Better and Sustainable Future,” carried out for the second time this year in partnership with Enerjisa Enerji, CIFAL Istanbul, UNITAR, and Bahçeşehir University, was successfully completed following a rich fourteen-week academic period.
8 June 2026, Istanbul, Türkiye – Launched on 2 March 2026 with the kick-off lecture delivered by Prof. Dr. Çisil Sohodol, Director of CIFAL Istanbul, the second term concluded on 8 June 2026 with a closing lecture held at Enerjisa Headquarters with the participation of Murat Pınar, CEO of Enerjisa Enerji, followed by a certificate ceremony held on the same day.
Bringing together students from various departments, the program addressed topics such as sustainability, energy efficiency, corporate sustainability, social impact, sustainability communication, artificial intelligence, digital transformation, green finance, sustainable consumption, and next-generation skills through an interdisciplinary approach. With the contributions of distinguished speakers from academia, the private sector, public institutions, and civil society, students had the opportunity to explore sustainability through different sectors and areas of practice.
In the opening lecture, Prof. Dr. Çisil Sohodol emphasized the importance of addressing sustainability and the Sustainable Development Goals from interdisciplinary and cross-sectoral perspectives. Highlighting that sustainability should become a lasting area of awareness in students’ academic, professional, and personal lives, Prof. Dr. Sohodol also underlined the role of sustainability communication in creating social impact.
Throughout the term, representatives from Enerjisa Enerji, including Ebru Taşcıoğlu, Irmak Pınar Tercan, Göktürk Demirel, and Murat Pınar, came together with students to share their experiences on the energy sector, corporate sustainability, sustainability communication, social investment, volunteering activities, and Enerjisa’s vision for a better future. Through these sessions, students had the opportunity to hear directly from sector professionals about the role of sustainability in the energy sector and the social, environmental, and economic impact areas of institutions.
The program also covered a wide range of themes, including civil society, social entrepreneurship, economic efficiency, green finance, digital transformation, artificial intelligence, future trends, energy policies, sustainable consumption, and next-generation skills, with the contributions of speakers from different fields of expertise. Sait Beyazyürek, General Manager of Needs Map and Member of the IDEMA Steering Committee; Prof. Dr. Itır Erhart, Dean of the Faculty of Communication at Istanbul Bilgi University; Ercüment Büyükşener, Founder of Digital Gateway; Prof. Dr. Emre Alkin, Rector of Istanbul Topkapı University; Akan Abdula, Founder of FutureBright; Dr. Bilal Düzgün, Head of the Department of Energy Efficiency and Environment at the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources; Prof. Dr. Ahu Ergen, Head of the Department of International Trade and Business at Bahçeşehir University; and Dr. Yasemin Ülker, Deputy Director of CIFAL Istanbul, were among the speakers who met with students throughout the program.
In addition to the lectures, the hands-on workshop organized in collaboration with Robotel Association stood out as one of the most meaningful and impactful components of the program. During the workshop, students actively participated in the assembly of 3D-printed mechanical hands designed for children with limb differences, gaining first-hand experience in a project that brings together technology, social innovation, and community engagement. By contributing directly to the production process, students were able to observe how innovative solutions can respond to real social needs and create tangible value for individuals and communities.
The workshop also encouraged collaboration, problem-solving, and empathy, while offering participants a deeper understanding of the relationship between sustainability, accessibility, and inclusive design. Through this practical experience, students engaged with the concepts of sustainability and social impact not only within a theoretical framework, but also through a concrete and purpose-driven application.
The closing lecture of the program was delivered by Murat Pınar, CEO of Enerjisa Enerji, under the title “Building a Better and Sustainable Future: An Enerjisa Experience” at Enerjisa Headquarters. During the closing session, students had the opportunity to learn about Enerjisa’s sustainability vision, its approach to transformation in the energy sector, and its efforts to build a better future through the lens of institutional experience.
Following the closing lecture, a certificate ceremony was held for the students who successfully completed the second term of “Enerjisa: A Better and Sustainable Future.” After the ceremony, students toured Enerjisa Headquarters accompanied by Enerjisa Enerji executives and had the chance to observe the institution’s working environment closely. The program concluded with a networking gathering that brought together students, academics, and representatives of Enerjisa Enerji.
Throughout the fourteen-week academic period, “Enerjisa: A Better and Sustainable Future” brought together interdisciplinary learning, sectoral experience, and social impact-oriented practices in the field of sustainability, contributing to students’ knowledge, awareness, and skills for building a better and more sustainable future.
Istanbul, Türkiye – 21 April 2025, In celebration of World Art Day, Bahçeşehir University’s Departments of International Trade and Business and Economics and Finance, in collaboration with CIFAL Istanbul, brought together students, academics, and creatives for an enriching event exploring the intersection between art and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Participants visited the Mona Art Gallery, where Architect Sena Özgürcan guided attendees through a curated selection of artworks related to sustainability. The exhibition featured distinguished Turkish painters and sculptors whose pieces addressed themes such as ecological balance, urban transformation, and climate responsibility. Through open discussion, students and guests reflected on the connections between these works and various SDGs—particularly in terms of awareness, emotional engagement, and long-term impact. Among the highlights was Dear Sinan Balta’s watercolor series “Spring in Istanbul,” which provided a poetic and vivid interpretation of urban seasonality and local environmental heritage.
Finally, a dialogue between CIFAL Istanbul and Mona Art Gallery explored future collaborative opportunities to further integrate art into sustainability initiatives. The event reaffirmed the profound potential of creative disciplines not only to communicate complex global challenges, but also to mobilize communities, inspire action, and contribute meaningfully to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
The program concluded with a field visit to Kuzguncuk Orchard, where Prof. Ahu Ergen, Head of the International Trade and Business Department, introduced students to an exemplary model of urban agriculture. Located in the heart of the city, this orchard allows citizens to engage directly with sustainable living practices, offering a tangible connection between local community empowerment and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.
29 April 2025, Istanbul, Türkiye- The second phase of the ”Common Solutions to Social Problems” (Bir Sen, Bir Gelecek) Social Investment Project has officially commenced, this time with a strengthened institutional partnerships. A protocol signing ceremony was held at Bahçeşehir University marked the beginning of this new chapter, uniting Zeren Group Holding, BAU Professional, CIFAL Istanbul, UNITAR, and Bahçeşehir University under a shared mission to empower youth.
Launched in 2024 by Zeren Holding, the project initially reached 200 students in its first term. This year, with nearly 1,000 applications received—a record number—the program has doubled its original capacity, opening its doors to 400 university students who aspire to shape their future through purpose-driven learning and civic engagement.
The official partnership was formalized during a signing ceremony held on April 29, 2025, at Bahçeşehir University. The event was attended by Ms. Seda Zeren Adıgüzel, Honorary Chair of the Board at Zeren Group Holding, Assoc. Prof. Ergün Akgün, Director of BAU Professional, and Prof. Çisil Sohodol, Director of CIFAL Istanbul—each reaffirming their commitment to sustainable education and youth development.
The program features certified trainings, asynchronous modules, and dynamic workshops, including the interactive “Dream Is Yours, Future Is Ours” experience. Through its globally recognized certification granted by UNITAR and CIFAL Istanbul, the initiative ensures long-term value for participants—offering both personal growth and professional credibility.
CIFAL Istanbul extend our deepest gratitude to all NGOs, universities, and young changemakers who joined us on this mission. Their dedication and enthusiasm inspire collective action for a better future.
This milestone project stands as a powerful example of SDG4 – Quality Education, providing an inclusive and content-rich education and SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals, highlighting the transformative potential of cross-sector collaboration in youth empowerment and sustainable education.
22 April 2025, İstanbul, Türkiye – Yanındayız Association, CIFAL Istanbul, and Bahçeşehir University came together to formalize their commitment to gender equality and human rights through the signing of an inter-institutional cooperation protocol. The protocol was signed by Ms. Selen Okay Akçalı, Chairperson of the Board of Directors of Yanındayız Association, and Prof. Dr. Tunç Bozbura, Vice Rector of Bahçeşehir University.
The protocol aims to reinforce the existing collaboration between the institutions and further deepen their partnership in future projects. Yanındayız Association, a rights-based advocacy organization, is dedicated to ensuring equal participation in society, promoting gender equality, and combating all forms of violence against women and discriminatory behavior. Bahçeşehir University, upholding a zero-tolerance policy against any act that undermines human dignity, shares this mission as a cornerstone of its institutional values.
This newly signed protocol builds upon a strong history of joint initiatives, including seminars, workshops, and awareness campaigns conducted in previous years. CIFAL Istanbul, has played a key role in organizing these activities and now aims to expand its efforts even further under this renewed and formalized partnership.
“This cooperation not only strengthens institutional ties but also accelerates our shared efforts in realizing SDG 5: Gender Equality and SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions, and SDG 17 Partnerships fort he Goals” CIFAL Istanbul stated.
CIFAL Istanbul expresses its sincere appreciation to Yanındayız Association and Bahçeşehir University for their ongoing commitment to fostering inclusive, respectful, and violence-free academic and social environments. Through this protocol, all parties reaffirm their dedication to building a society rooted in equality, solidarity, and mutual respect.
27 February 2025, Istanbul, Türkiye – As part of the ongoing CO-OP Responsibility Program, jointly organized by Darüşşafaka, Bahçeşehir University’s CO-OP Department, and CIFAL Istanbul, students had the opportunity to meet with CIFAL Istanbul team members for a powerful and interactive session focused on Sustainability and Climate Change.
The event featured by Ms. Aslıcan Açık, CIFAL Istanbul, Coordination and Organization Assistant Specialist, who delivered an inspiring presentation on the climate crisis, global environmental challenges, and the role of youth in shaping a sustainable future. Her session also included insightful data sharing and highlighted the need for collective climate responsibility and youth-led innovation. The program was further enriched by the contributions of Mr. Eren Yalınkaya, CIFAL Istanbul, Communication and Partnership Assistant Specialist, and Ms. Olca Sena Uçar, CIFAL Istanbul, Education and Project Assistant Specialist, who shared their personal journeys and reflections from the field of sustainability.
Held under the framework of the CO-OP Responsibility Program, the session aimed to raise awareness among high school students on critical global issues while encouraging them to think actively about climate action, social responsibility, and long-term impact. The engaging conversation reflected CIFAL Istanbul’s commitment to SDG 4: Quality Education and SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities, by promoting inclusive, equitable, and empowering learning opportunities for all students.
“Creating awareness through education and encouraging youth to take action is a crucial step toward a sustainable future,” noted the CIFAL Istanbul team.
CIFAL Istanbul sincerely thanks Darüşşafaka, Bahçeşehir University CO-OP, and UNITAR for their collaboration in organizing this meaningful exchange. Equipping students with knowledge, awareness, and inspiration is a vital investment in a more resilient and environmentally conscious generation.
