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.
30 October 2024, İstanbul, Türkiye – CIFAL Istanbul successfully organized two separate seminars in cooperation with Yanındayız Association and Bahçeşehir University, Zero Tolerance for Violence on My Campus and Zero Tolerance for Violence on My Campus II, aimed at raising awareness about dating violence and gender-sensitive approaches among university students. The event was supported by the Consulate General of the Federal Republic of Germany in Istanbul and aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).
The first session, hosted at Bahçeşehir University North Campus, featured Assoc. Prof. Feyza Ak Akyol, who explored gender identity, stereotypes, and non-violent communication. The second session, held at Bahçeşehir University Galata Campus, was led by Prof. Dr. İpek Merçil, who addressed the types of violence against women, legal perspectives, and definitions of dating violence.
Building on this effort, the second phase of the seminar, “Gender and Dating Violence Education II,” took place on 25 November 2024 at BAU Galata Campus, marking the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. Organized once again in partnership with Yanındayız Association, UNITAR, and Bahçeşehir University, this event expanded the dialogue on gender-based violence and further strengthened efforts to promote inclusive, respectful, and violence-free campuses.
Both seminars provided students with valuable insights and knowledge, encouraging them to challenge harmful norms and advocate for a more equitable society. CIFAL Istanbul expresses its gratitude to all partners, speakers, and participants who contributed to these impactful initiatives. Together, we continue working towards a future rooted in respect, equality, and safety for all.
These efforts reinforce CIFAL Istanbul’s commitment to empowering youth and fostering meaningful discussions on gender equality. Through ongoing collaborations, we aim to develop more educational programs that inspire positive change and promote awareness across academic communities.
“Empowering Youth for a Sustainable Future!”
20 November 2024, Istanbul, Turkiye- Kocaeli Bahcesehir Collage, as part of the Global Schools Program, organized the ‘Sustainability Summit’24, bringing together dedicated students, educators, and experts to discuss the future of sustainability. During the event, CIFAL Istanbul emphasized the importance of sustainability, showcasing their initiatives and exploring potential projects within the context of the SDGs.
The summit was honored to host Dr. Yasemin Ülker, Deputy Director of CIFAL Istanbul and Ms. Aslıcan Açık, Member of CIFAL Istanbul Team, who shared their invaluable insights through a detailed presentation on what is the concept of sustainability and its crucial importance in today’s world, before discussing CIFAL Istanbul’s role in promoting sustainability and its efforts in empowering youth to take action on global challenges.
Additionally, Ms. Aslıcan Açık highlighted their experiences with the CIFAL Istanbul Youth Platform, showcasing how it fosters active youth participation in tackling global issues.
Their presentation highlighted key projects, such as their work on promoting sustainability in urban spaces and youth engagement.
Their speeches touched on critical themes, including CIFAL Istanbul’s impactful projects, UNITAR’s unwavering commitment to youth empowerment, and the role of the CIFAL Istanbul Youth Platform in fostering active youth participation. Through their words, they inspired students to envision a sustainable future and encouraged them to be changemakers in their communities.
Following the speeches, CIFAL Istanbul team had the privilege of visiting the impressive exhibition of sustainability projects created by the students and listening to their presentations, which showcased the students’ dedication and creativity in addressing global challenges.
The students’ enthusiasm for sustainability and the SDGs shows through their innovative work and determination to make a difference. CIFAL Istanbul and UNITAR remain dedicated to empowering the youth and ensuring they play an essential role in building a better world.
Prof. Çisil Sohodol, CIFAL Istanbul Director, has shared her remarks on the panel titled “Trust and Impact: Good communication Guide for Sustainable Brands” on 17 September, 2024 at The Sustainable Brands Türkiye 2024.
The Sustainable Brands Türkiye 2024 conference is part of the global Sustainable Brands network, aiming to advance sustainable business models and practices. The conference emerged as one of the most significant events in the sustainability field in Türkiye. The conference addressed many key topics shaping the future of business, offering participants an inspiring experience.
The event featured more than 20 international speakers, including notable figures like Thomas Kolster and Karen Silverman, who discussed topics related to sustainable growth, innovation, and corporate transformation. At the event, discussions focused on how brands could reduce their environmental impact, shift consumer behaviors toward sustainable lifestyles, and utilize innovative technologies such as artificial intelligence in the process. Additionally, topics like waste management, supply chain optimization, and corporate governance were addressed, aiming to broaden the adoption of sustainability practices across the business landscape.
The purpose of this event is to enable participants to gain insights from expert speakers and innovative panels; to assist them in learning new sustainability strategies and developing creative solutions that can be integrated into their business models. This approach aims to help brands contribute to long-term value creation and to have a positive impact on society and the environment.
The conference also offered interactive workshops and panel discussions aimed at helping brands craft sustainable strategies.
Remarks by CIFAL Istanbul Director, Prof.Dr. Çisil Sohodol
Prof. Sohodol, Director of CIFAL Istanbul, the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) International Training Center for Authorities and Leaders, also explained that to truly understand sustainable communication, it is essential to grasp the intersection between sustainability and communication itself. She highlighted that the issues embedded in sustainability and the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) represent chronic global challenges urgently requiring solutions to create a better world. The first step in addressing these issues in improving our behaviour patterns. She emphasized that without cultivating an ecosystem of behavioral change, it would be impossible to achieve success in sustainability or any of the SDGs.