14 January, 2025 İstanbul, Türkiye – With the vision in the field of Education, Sustainable Development Goals and lifelong learning, CIFAL Istanbul, İBB Institute İstanbul ISMEK and İBB Lifelong Learning Division Directorate came together to strengthen their cooperation for the future. The meeting held on 14 January 2025 is considered as a strategic milestone for the productive exchange of ideas between the parties and the implementation of projects that will contribute to both regional and global development.
At the meeting, Prof. Çisil Sohodol, Director of CIFAL Istanbul, emphasized the importance of SDGs for the parties and shared her suggestions on the existing potential as well as areas of cooperation that can be developed. Prof. Sohodol elaborated her views by saying; “Such exchanges play a critical role in the realization of projects ranging from individuals to institutions and in supporting sustainable development”.
Furthermore, the parties stated that both institutions are conducting pioneering activities in their fields and that this cooperation has the potential to develop projects that will attract attention not only in the region but also in the international arena. IBB INSTITUTE Representatives of Istanbul ISMEK and IBB Lifelong Learning Division Directorate stated that they believe that the collaborative projects will not only be in the field of education, but will also support social and cultural transformation. It was agreed to strengthen social solidarity through projects involving different segments of society and to support social innovations with the active participation of local stakeholders and civil society organizations.
Additionally, it was decided to share the Equal Opportunity in Technology Education Project, which was implemented in 2023 in partnership with CIFAL Istanbul, UNITAR, Bahçeşehir University and YapıKredi, on IBB Lifelong Learning Platforms completely free of charge. Under the leadership of both institutions, it is envisioned to initiate projects that will support and advance the Sustainable Development Goals by integrating local dynamics with global trends.
12 February 2025, Manisa, Türkiye – CIFAL Istanbul was at the launch of SMEs’ Sustainability Transformations In Partnership with the Zafer Development Agency and TÜBİTAK which lasted for 90 Haours in total starting from 12th of February to 29th of February which took place in Manisa, Türkiye.
On February 12, CIFAL Istanbul, UNITAR, Bahçeşehir University, TÜBİTAK MAM, Zafer Development Agency, and Celal Bayar University officially launched the Training and Consultancy Program for the Sustainability Transformation of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs). This innovative program aims to guide SMEs through the journey of adopting sustainable practices to combat climate change and ensure a resilient future.
The event began with an inspiring opening address by Prof. Çisil Sohodol, Director of CIFAL Istanbul, who highlighted the urgency of addressing climate change and the critical role sustainability plays in shaping the economy. She emphasized that sustainability is a shared responsibility that requires immediate action.
Following the opening, Asst. Prof. Nilüfer Geysi, CIFAL Istanbul Coordinator, led the first training session. This interactive six-hour session engaged participants in deep discussions about the importance of sustainability, green transformation, and the influence of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria on modern business practices. The session set the tone for the ongoing journey towards creating a greener, more sustainable future for SMEs.
This program represents a powerful step forward in equipping businesses with the knowledge and tools necessary to adapt to sustainability challenges. CIFAL Istanbul and its partners are committed to helping SMEs thrive in a rapidly changing world, fostering long-term positive impact on the environment and the economy.
STEP Ambassadors Development Journey has begun with the cooperation of Yapı Kredi Banking Academy, Bahçeşehir University & CIFAL Istanbul! We aim to create STEP Ambassadors who value the world and nature and embrace the importance of sustainable life.
Within the scope of the STEP Ambassadors Development Journey Program, it is planned to provide sustainability literacy trainings for Yapı Kredi Bank employees in cooperation with Yapı Kredi Bank, CIFAL Istanbul, UNITAR and Bahçeşehir University, in order to increase the efforts to reflect the sustainability vision of the institution and to increase the knowledge of the employees on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Within the scope of this program, a curriculum of 16 sessions, three sessions a week, will be studied with the trainers to be determined by CIFAL Istanbul via the Webex platform of Yapı Kredi.
“Equal Opportunity in Technology” project was launch in partnership with Yapı Kredi, CIFAL Istanbul, United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), and Bahçeşehir University (BAU) on November 21, 2023.
As part of the project, comprehensive training content has been prepared by experts in the field, covering topics from big data to artificial intelligence, cloud technologies to cybersecurity, and the Internet of Things to Industry 5.0. The project aims to reach 80,000 women in three years and increase their knowledge and awareness in the field of technology through the training provided by Yapı Kredi Academy and Bahçeşehir University. Participants who score 70 percent or higher in the final exam after completing the training will be eligible to receive the “Equal Opportunity in Technology” certificate, signed by Yapı Kredi, UNITAR, and BAU, and approved by e-Government. Participants with 75 percent attendance in the training will also be able to receive a UNITAR-accredited achievement certificate. The training, which will be offered free of charge to all women between the ages of 18-27 across Türkiye, will also be available to young people living in the Hope Cities established by Koç Holding, and in the earthquake-affected zones, regardless of gender.
Aiming for equal opportunities in technology
Özden Önaldı, Executive Vice President of Yapı Kredi, stated that Yapı Kredi is an institution that not only advocates gender equality, but also implements it, and made the following assessment: “We believe that the presence of women in every field of business is an indicator of civilization for countries. With this perspective, as a long-time industry leader in gender equality and women’s employment, we have carried out many pioneering projects to date. As an uncompromising advocate of gender equality, we are working hard to ensure equal opportunities for women in the field of technology and innovation. In line with the global leadership initiated by our main shareholder, Koç Holding, at the United Nations Women Generation Equality Forum, we, as Yapı Kredi, have committed to ensuring equal opportunities for women and girls in technology and innovation for the next three years. In this regard, we aim to reach 80,000 women in three years with the training we will provide through the ‘Equal Opportunity in Technology’ project, which we launched in partnership with the International Training Center for Authorities and Leaders (CIFAL Istanbul) affiliated with the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), and Bahçeşehir University (BAU). We know that gender equality is the key to a more just and sustainable world. We will continue to take responsibility for a world where women are the architects of global prosperity and happiness, with our uncompromising commitment to gender equality.“
Prof. Dr. Ebru Canan-Sokullu, Director of CIFAL Istanbul, the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) International Training Center for Authorities and Leaders, expressed the key points of the “Equal Opportunity in Technology” project: “Social responsibility projects shape not only individuals and communities but also our future. In the context of gender equality, we aim to contribute to the transformation of not only individuals but also the business world by reaching thousands of young women through the ‘Equal Opportunity in Technology’ project. With the realization of this project, we are taking an important step toward building a more just and sustainable future together. As we implement this project, we must be aware that we have a responsibility not only today but also as the leaders of tomorrow. We look forward to celebrating this great achievement and taking the first steps of our project together.”
Prof. Dr. Tunç Bozburda, Vice Rector of Bahçeşehir University, the other partner of the project,shared the goals of the “Equal Opportunity in Technology” project: “‘Equal Opportunity in Technology’, a valuable collaboration we carry out with Yapı Kredi, is an initiative to empower women through technology and science education. With this project, we aim to increase women’s employment and gender equality in the industry, strengthen the potential talents of young women, and develop female industry leaders.“
Applications for the project, which is led by Yapı Kredi in partnership with the International Training Center for Authorities and Leaders (CIFAL Istanbul) affiliated with the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), and Bahçeşehir University (BAU), can be submitted through here.