12 March 2026, Istanbul, Türkiye – Organized in collaboration with Sustainability Academy, BAU IMPACT, CIFAL Istanbul, UNITAR, and Bahçeşehir University, “The Strategic Role of Sustainability Communication” panel was held at the BAU Galata Campus.
Moderated by Dr. Nilüfer Geysi, Coordinator at CIFAL Istanbul, UNITAR and Director of BAU IMPACT, the panel brought together key industry leaders: Murat Birsin, Sustainability Manager at Migros; Ceren Özay Uz, Director of Corporate Communication, Sustainability, and Social Responsibility at FLO Group; and Furkan Mutluol, Project and Business Development Director representing the Sustainability Academy.
During the event, speakers addressed critical global challenges, including climate change, environment and energy management, as well as equality, diversity, and inclusion. Drawing on their professional experiences and sectoral perspectives, the panelists highlighted the transformative power of sustainability communication in transparently conveying organizational strategies to broader audiences.
The discussions emphasized that effective, transparent, and impact-oriented communication plays a vital role in driving organizational transformation, strengthening stakeholder engagement, and raising public awareness. By effectively articulating sustainability goals, organizations can better navigate their sustainability journeys while fostering trust among their partners and society.
The panel concluded with an engaging Q&A session, allowing participants to interact directly with the speakers and further explore key insights. Bringing together academia, civil society, and the private sector around a shared vision, the event represented a significant step toward advancing sustainable practices and inspiring collective responsibility for a more resilient 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.
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.
Malatya, Türkiye- CIFAL Istanbul team visited Malatya, one of the cities affected by the February 6 earthquakes. During the visit, the team came together with local authorities, gave a speech on sustainability awareness as a part of Heroes of the Nature seminar and they spent time with children in various workshops and activities.
CIFAL Istanbul Team and Bright Futures Foundation visited the Head of Malatya Metropolitan Municipality Strategy Development Department in their Office to discuss possible improvements in the region, the sustainable reconstruction of schools and future collaborations that could contibute to education in the region. Later on the team visited Deputy Mayor of Malatya Battalgazi Municipality. During the meeting, the parties received information from the municipal authorities in regards the social services provided, the local needs and the recovery process in the region. Alongside the current issue at hand, possible supports and future collaborations were discussed.
A meaningful event was held in Malatya’s Battalgazi district, offering support and inspiration to children and parents affected by the February 6 earthquake. A seminar was held in Battalgazi Municipality’s Conference Hall titled “Heroes of the Nature: Raising Awareness on Sustainability”. Ms. Aslıcan Açık and Mr. Eren Yalınkaya started their speech by explaining to the children and their parents what the United Nations is, what it stands for and what we all can do individually to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. The team then touched upon important issues such as the protection of clean water, the use of renewable energy, sustainable cities, combating climate change and the protection of natural life. They tried to inspire children to become nature heroes by stating that they can create big changes with small steps. Throughout the event, interactive questions and interesting data and examples were used to encourage environment friendly habits and participants made a promise to strive for a more livable world together.
Various presentations took place during the seminar the main focus being educating children and families the importance of sustainability specifically waste reduction and the long-term benefits of adopting eco-friendly practices. At the end of the seminar, CIFAL Istanbul team presented books to the children who participated in the event and came together with the children in the tote bag painting workshop.
Over the three-day visit to Malatya, the CIFAL Istanbul team conducted effective activities to raise environmental awareness and the importance of taking steps for sustainable development in the region, starting from the individual level to the governmental authorities.
CIFAL Istanbul Youth Platform was launched in December, 2021 at Bahçeşehir University South Campus with the participation of Mr. Nikhil Seth, Deputy Secretary General of the United Nations and President of UNITAR at that time. CIFAL Istanbul is the only CIFAL center among all other CIFAL centers in the world that has a special structure for young people with the CIFAL Istanbul Youth Platform. This platform, which operates under the umbrella of the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) at Bahçeşehir University, aims to raise young people’s awareness of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), encourage them to develop their ideas and support them in developing projects.
CIFAL Istanbul Youth Platform provides a unique environment for young people to realize their innovative ideas and create solutions to global problems, while strengthening knowledge and experience sharing through bridges with national and international stakeholders. By unlocking the leadership potential of young people, the platform paves the way for inspiring projects to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals; and by harmonizing the dynamic academic environment of Bahçeşehir University with the global vision of the UN, it equips young people to shape the world of the future.
The platform collaborates with student clubs at the university to ensure the active participation of young people through activities such as social responsibility projects, field trips, seminars and workshops. At the same time, platform members have the opportunity to collaborate with UN agencies and participate in international internship and training programs. Operating as the first and only youth platform among all CIFAL platforms, CIFAL Istanbul Youth Platform reinforces CIFAL Istanbul’s pioneering role on a global scale by enabling young people to take concrete steps for a sustainable world.
