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.
Global Youth Summit for Sustainability 2026, Organized by YCDP in Collaboration with CIFAL Istanbul, UNITAR, and Bahçeşehir University, Brings Together Young Leaders in Istanbul
21–24 May 2026, Istanbul, Türkiye – The Global Youth Summit for Sustainability 2026, organized by the Youth Center for Dialogue and Peace (YCDP) in collaboration with CIFAL Istanbul, UNITAR, and Bahçeşehir University, brought together young leaders, academics, practitioners, and representatives from international organizations for four days of dialogue, learning, and collaboration on sustainability and climate action. Among the participants were members of the CIFAL Istanbul Youth Platform, who took part in the four-day programme, engaging in discussions and activities alongside participants from different countries and sectors.
Held at Hyatt Regency Ataköy and Bahçeşehir University, the summit provided an international platform for participants from diverse backgrounds and countries to exchange ideas, strengthen partnerships, and explore innovative approaches to today’s most pressing global challenges. As Türkiye prepares to host COP31 in Antalya in 2026, the summit highlighted the importance of meaningful youth participation in shaping sustainable and climate-resilient societies.
The programme commenced on 21 May with an inauguration ceremony at Hyatt Regency Hotel, followed by discussions focusing on intergenerational collaboration for sustainable development and the role of young people in creating more inclusive and resilient communities.
On 22 May, an open sessions hosted at Bahçeşehir University brought together students, youth advocates, academics, and representatives from the United Nations system. Through keynote speeches and panel discussions, participants explored the connections between climate action, sustainable development, and youth leadership. The programme emphasized the importance of ensuring that young people are not merely consulted in decision-making processes but are actively involved in designing and implementing solutions that address the climate crisis.
The summit continued on 23 May at Hyatt Regency Hotel with interactive workshops and discussions focusing on humanitarian action, strategic sustainability, and green entrepreneurship. Participants had the opportunity to develop practical perspectives on sustainable business models, strengthen their leadership capacities, and engage in collaborative learning experiences.The day concluded with the presentation of the Youth Statement on Sustainability, followed by the closing ceremony, during which participants reflected on the achievements of the summit and celebrated the completion of the programme.
On 24 May, participants had the opportunity to take part in Walk for Change, an outdoor activity that encouraged further reflection, networking, and cultural exchange in the unique setting of Istanbul.
The Global Youth Summit for Sustainability 2026 emphasized the critical role of young people as agents of change and demonstrated the value of partnerships among youth organizations, academia, international institutions, and civil society in addressing complex global challenges. By creating spaces for dialogue, capacity-building, and collective action, the summit contributed to strengthening youth engagement in the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
The themes explored throughout the summit reflected the broader objectives of sustainable development, with a strong emphasis on lifelong learning, knowledge exchange, climate awareness, inclusive participation, intergenerational dialogue, and multi-stakeholder cooperation in advancing sustainability.
As the international community moves towards COP31, initiatives such as the Global Youth Summit for Sustainability continue to demonstrate that empowering young people with the knowledge, networks, and opportunities to participate meaningfully in decision-making processes is essential for building a more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient future.
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.
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.
6 February 2025, Malatya, Türkiye – In the second anniversary of the devastating February 6 Earthquakes, CIFAL Istanbul, in collaboration with the Bright Futures Foundation, and with the support of Bahçeşehir University and UNITAR, carried out a four-day impactful field visit to Malatya, one of the most affected regions. Between February 3rd and 6th, the CIFAL Istanbul team visited schools and temporary accommodation centers to support the educational and emotional recovery of children affected by the disaster.
Throughout the visit, a wide array of hands-on workshops and interactive activities were conducted to empower children through science, environmental awareness, and creativity. At Beydağı Temporary Accommodation Center, the team spent quality time with Syrian children affected by the earthquake, painting, talking, and organizing art-based activities inside the container homes, offering moments of joy and connection.
On 4 February, CIFAL Istanbul and Bright Futures Foundation, in collaboration with the BilimSenOl Platform, visited Yenice Secondary School in Darende and hosted science workshops introducing children to basic chemistry through natural hand-sanitizer experiments made from essential oils and vinegar. These workshops not only fostered creativity but also demonstrated the practical use of science in daily life, sparking hope and enthusiasm.
On 5 February, CIFAL Istanbul and Bright Futures Foundation visited Şehit Aytaç Altunörs Primary and Secondary School, where they carried out a multifaceted day of support. With the partnership of Bahçeşehir University, books were donated to help enrich the school’s library—offering children expanded access to learning resources, imagination, and healing. On the same day, a Seed Ball Workshop was organized using recycled newspaper, flower seeds, soil, and cinnamon powder. Following this, students planted saplings in the schoolyard, strengthening their bond with the environment and learning about biodiversity, waste reduction, and eco-friendly production methods. These activities reinforced SDG 4: Quality Education and SDG 15: Life on Land by promoting both academic growth and sustainability awareness.
The event series also included team games, sustainability-themed discussions, and meaningful conversations with students and teachers about the road ahead. These collective experiences emphasized the importance of unity, empathy, and shared responsibility in recovery and rebuilding processes.
“The solidarity shown in the face of the February 6 Earthquakes reminds us that building a better future begins with unity, empathy, and shared action—first at the individual level, and then globally.”
CIFAL Istanbul extends its heartfelt thanks to all participants, educators, students, and especially to the Bright Futures Foundation, Bahçeşehir University, and UNITAR for their unwavering support. These efforts underline CIFAL Istanbul’s continued commitment to promoting sustainable development and empowering children through education, creativity, and compassion.
This field visit reflected CIFAL Istanbul’s belief in building hope through education, sustainability, and solidarity—planting the seeds of a stronger future, one child at a time.
