WORKING WITH GOVERNTMENT
Bahçeşehir University (BAU) is an institution that maintains partnerships with local and national government bodies by providing expert opinions, developing and implementing joint projects, research projects and organizing educational activities. Examples of expert opinions provided to the government, as well as joint projects implemented with local and national governments during the relevant years, are as follows.
Providing outreach, general education, upskilling and capacity-building to policy- and law-makers on relevant topics e.g. economics, law, technology, migration and displacement, and climate change
Bahçeşehir University, provides various outreach, general education and capacity building to policy- and lawmakers.
1. Bahçeşehir University is an institution that provides mediation training under the Law on Mediation in Civil Disputes of the Republic of Turkey's Ministry of Justice, covering various topics including energy and healthcare.
The training programs, which began in 2021, were extended for an additional year in 2023 by the decision of the Ministry of Justice. In this context, BAU not only offers expert opinions to the government but also provides training on legal mediation related to energy issues, which are closely linked to the climate crisis, to policymakers.
The Ministry's decision letter can be accessed through the following link.
https://cdn.bau.edu.tr/content/hra1k7uaonq23-Hukuk%20Uzmanl%C4%B1k%20Alan%C4%B1.pdf
2. MIGRATION, DIVERSITY & GOVERNANCE ERASMUS MUNDUS DESİGN MEASURES CONFERENCE HELD BY BAU
The Migration, Diversity & Governance Erasmus Mundus Design Measures Closing Conference was successfully held on October 2-3, 2023, at Bahçeşehir University’s South Campus in Beşiktaş, Istanbul. This significant event brought together a diverse array of stakeholders, including policymakers, academics, and experts, to address the complexities, challenges, and opportunities in migration governance and diversity management.
The conference aimed to foster dialogue and collaboration between stakeholders from various sectors to enhance understanding and develop innovative approaches to migration and diversity governance. Through engaging presentations and discussions, participants examined the latest research, shared best practices, and explored policy recommendations that can effectively address the needs of modern migration systems.
Day 1 of the conference took place in the Fazıl Say Conference Hall, with an extensive program covering various aspects of migration and diversity governance. Distinguished speakers, some joining online, shared their insights on critical issues affecting both policymakers and communities dealing with migration. On Day 2, the discussions continued exclusively for consortium members in the Senate Room, focusing on in-depth strategic planning and collaboration moving forward.
Hosted by Bahçeşehir University in collaboration with Erasmus Mundus, this closing conference reflected BAU’s commitment to addressing global challenges through interdisciplinary collaboration and academic excellence. This event not only provided a platform for knowledge exchange but also highlighted the essential role of international cooperation in shaping inclusive and effective migration policies.
3. THE CONFEDERATION OF ALL BUREAUCRATS AND BUSINESSPEOPLE and BAHÇEŞEHIR UNIVERSITY JOINT INTELLIGENCE AND POLICY CONFERENCE:
"Turkey's Current Geopolitical and Social Issues and Proposed Solutions"
Throughout the four sessions, key topics emphasized included climate change, the food crisis, and social integration, all approached from a geopolitical perspective. It was noted that the global order is changing, geopolitics is taking on new meanings and functions, and its definition may even evolve.
Migrations and regional and global issues are transforming the economic and social structures of countries, often resulting in more losers than winners. It was stressed that countries must develop strategic approaches and policies rather than relying on palliative and tactical measures.
The sessions of the workshop were conducted under the following four main themes:
4. BAHÇEŞEHIR UNIVERSITY HELD A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE MEETING AND TRAINING for ADANA CHAMBER OF INDUSTRY
Bahçeşehir University came together with representatives of civil society organizations, local communities, sector representatives and local government stakeholders within the scope of the ‘Sustainable Future Meetings’ in Adana.
In Adana, a city at high risk of being affected by the consequences of the climate crisis as both an agricultural and tourism hub, solutions to the relevant issues and necessary preparations, along with university-public relations, were discussed. During the meeting, Bahçeşehir University faculty members conducted a training session.
Bahçeşehir University Board of Trustees Chairman Enver Yücel, Adana Chamber of Industry Chairman Zeki Kıvanç, Bilici Holding Board of Directors Chairman Mehmet Ali Bilici, CIFAL Istanbul Director Prof. Dr. Ebru Canan Sokullu, BAU SÜGAM Director Dr. Lecturer Pınar Özuyar, Brands For Good Vice President Aysun Şabanlı, Bahçeşehir University Finance Center Director Prof. Dr. İbrahim Ünalmış attended.
“WE BRING UNIVERSITY, SOCIETY AND INDUSTRY TOGETHER”
Speaking at the program, Bahçeşehir University Board of Trustees President Enver Yücel stated that universities should open up to the outside world, meet with the sector and society, and support sustainable development.
As you all know, the European Union aims to reduce carbon emissions by 50 percent by 2030 with the Green Deal. It also aims to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2050. Green transformation is not just an action plan. It is a herald and roadmap for an important change in environmental, economic and social terms. If we want to have a say and exist in the future, we have no choice but to adapt to this. We need to see that the Green Deal is a risk for Turkey, but also a new opportunity for sustainable development. In this sense, as a country, we should see green transformation as an important opportunity rather than a threat. We have a very challenging process ahead of us. We have to know how and in what way to act in terms of adapting to this change process. We hear concepts such as green deal, carbon footprint, water footprint, circular economy, recycling, farm-to-fork strategy, carbon market, sustainability in every aspect of our lives. Whatever you call them. All we need to do is to be able to produce in accordance with ecological balances. To be more environmentally friendly. While doing these, we follow the world and comply with accepted rules.”
“WE NEED TO RAPIDLY DEVELOP OUR ABILITY TO ADAPT TO THE GLOBAL ECONOMY”
Adana Chamber of Industry President Zeki Kıvanç stated in his speech that the world is entering a significant transformation and change, and said, “This change is progressing in a dual balance as decarbonization and digitalization.
While our companies continue to struggle with the current conditions, there are radical changes in business models all over the world. Therefore, we need to rapidly improve our ability to adapt to the global economy. Today, climate change deeply concerns every aspect of our lives, from health to agriculture, from industrial production to logistics, and finally from education to social life.
After the opening speeches, the program continued with CIFAL Istanbul Director Prof. Dr. Ebru Canan Sokullu as moderator, BAU SÜGAM Director Dr. Lecturer Pınar Özuyar's presentation on 'Risks and Opportunities in the Changing Understanding of Sustainability' and sessions titled 'New Vision: Sustainable Brand'.
The report to be prepared after the event aims to contribute to regional development and 'Sustainable Development Goals'.
5. BAU- ORDU CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY “THE HAZELNUT FARMING: Economic, Environmental, And Geopolitical Challenges And Future Scenarios Training and Project
Bahçeşehir University's Center for Economic and Social Research (BETAM) conducted a workshop and training session for the Ordu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OTSO) on hazelnut farming, which is a key pillar of agricultural production in the Black Sea region.
The session focused on the climatic and economic risks facing hazelnut farming. Following the workshop and training, Bahçeşehir University conducted an extensive research project focusing on the future and challenges of the hazelnut farming sector, the region's most significant area of economic development. The findings of this research were published as a valuable educational resource for policymakers.
Some media reflections on the process conducted by Bahçeşehir University (BAU) in collaboration with the Ordu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OTSO) are as follows:
https://www.otso.org.tr/otsoda-betam-findik-sektoru-hakkinda-calisma-toplantisi/
https://ordumanset.net/haber-infinite-haber-devam-19071
https://x.com/ordutso/status/1668597097640108033?s=46&t=bCCxpJgqZDtt78bVd0THvw
The related report can be accessed through the following link.
6.COOPERATION PROTOCOL BETWEEN BAHÇEŞEHIR UNIVERSITY, ISTANBUL METROPOLITAN MUNICIPALITY, AND ISTANBUL FIRE DEPARTMENT
Bahçeşehir University signed a cooperation protocol with the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality and Istanbul Fire Department. According to the protocol, the stakeholders declared their commitment to working together to raise awareness, particularly among children and the general public, about ways to protect against various disasters and emergencies. The parties will collaborate on projects, identify challenges and issues, and conduct educational activities aimed at addressing these challenges as part of their partnership.
As part of the collaboration, Bahçeşehir University will also provide capacity-building training for officials working on relevant issues at the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality.
The website for one of the projects implemented under the cooperation, the "Heroic Firefighters" project, can be accessed via the following link.
https://www.kahramanitfaiyeciler.org/
7.BAHCESEHIR UNIVERSITY LOCAL GOVERNANCE ACADEMY
The ULMER-Government Leadership School, established within Bahçeşehir University, is dedicated to cultivating policy makers, leaders and educating participants on key contemporary issues through its programs, projects, and seminars.
With a mission to contribute skilled individuals to all levels of politics and decision-making, the ULMER-Government Leadership School expanded its focus to include local governance through the Local Governance Academy certification program. This program covers a wide range of topics, including urbanization, the impact of digitalization on local governance, strategies for addressing the challenges of increasing migration, environmental issues, technology, and smart cities.
The program aims to guide current local government personnel in adapting to the evolving global landscape while also equipping individuals aspiring to work in local governance with the necessary knowledge and skills.
Organized by Bahçeşehir University the Local Governance Academy provides comprehensive capacity-building training to representatives of local governments and individuals interested in the field.
Key topics covered in the program include the increasing migration wave, environmental pollution, the impact of digitalization, and the role of smart cities in local governance and urban culture. The ultimate goal of the program is to foster discussions on local governance challenges and develop policies that offer practical solutions. Through this initiative, Bahçeşehir University aims to support the education, upskilling, and capacity-building of policymakers and lawmakers.
8.BAHCESEHIR UNIVERSITY DIPLOMAT SCHOOL PROGRAM
Bahçeşehir University's International Leadership Practice and Research Center (ULMER), under the Government Leadership School, has launched the Diplomat School program, designed specifically for policymakers to enhance their understanding of global developments and challenges, while contributing to their capacity building. The program is also open to anyone interested in the subject, allowing a broader audience to benefit from the knowledge and skills provided.
To date, the Diplomat School has hosted a variety of distinguished guests from different political identities, ideologies, and structures, including ministers, ambassadors, and members of parliament, thought leaders, and veteran academics— individuals who play key roles in shaping the country’s foreign policy. BAU Diplomat School is a structure where different perspectives are discussed on the same platform, and despite these differences, it contributes to the policy-making process by generating shared knowledge and expertise.
A first of its kind in Turkey in terms of its name, format, and content, the program has been revamped with a new curriculum and structure. To date, the Diplomat School has hosted a variety of distinguished guests, including ministers, ambassadors, and members of parliament, thought leaders, and veteran academics— individuals who play key roles in shaping the country’s foreign policy. With the support of these esteemed guests and the strong interest of participants, the program has consistently raised its standards each academic year.
The primary objective of the Diplomat School is to equip today’s and tomorrow’s diplomats and leaders with the knowledge and tools necessary to navigate national and international issues, solve problems, and make informed decisions based on objective information and data.
The program is conducted in English and runs for 14 weeks on Mondays from 08:30 to 11:30. Each session features guest speakers, either in single or multiple sessions, and concludes with a Q&A segment. Participants who meet the 75% attendance requirement and successfully complete the final assessment will be awarded a certificate, while those meeting only the attendance requirement will receive a participation certificate.
Diplomat School certificates, in conjunction with "Diplomacy School 22," can now be verified and recognized as educational certification via Turkey’s e-Government system. This year, the program will be held at Bahçeşehir University’s South Campus and, for the first time, will run parallel to the undergraduate course "Diplomacy," offered in collaboration with the Faculty of Economics, Administrative, and Social Sciences.
As a comprehensive program, the Diplomat School explores a wide range of significant topics related to Turkey and global affairs, analyzing both past and present events and processes. Candidates working in relevant fields who wish to enhance their skills are welcome to register for the program free of charge, subject to capacity limits.
8.BAHCESEHIR UNIVERSITY LOCAL ADVOCACY SCHOOL
The Local Advocacy School, organized in collaboration between the Local Monitoring, Research, and Implementation Association (YERELİZ) and Bahçeşehir University’s Center for Migration and Urban Studies, aims to enhance the capacity of policymakers, particularly those in municipalities involved in local governance. The program is also open to anyone interested in the subject, allowing a broader audience to benefit from the knowledge and skills provided.
The program focuses on identifying ecosystem changes and challenges related to migration, determining appropriate solutions, recognizing the need for updates in local policies, and creating roadmaps for sustainable cities.
The program, which has been organized for seven years, is one of Turkey’s longest-running educational initiatives aimed at enhancing the awareness and knowledge of local policymakers regarding diverse views and perspectives on regional issues. It also seeks to bring together relevant groups working on these topics to foster capacity development.
6th BAU Local Advocacy School was designed this with the special theme of "Earthquake-Resilient Cities," aiming to address the increasing earthquake-related concerns following the February 6th earthquakes and contribute to collective empowerment. By the end of the two-day event, a highly impactful program was developed with the support of esteemed professors, significant NGOs, local government members and participants.
Bahçeşehir University’s Center for Migration and Urban Studies (BAUMUS) conducted a session titled “Local Governments in Migration Governance in Cities.” The session provided training on sustainability in the context of migration management, the requirements for managing migration at the local level, and the importance of migration terminology.
7th BAU Local Advocacy School was organized collaboration between Bahçeşehir University, the Marmara Municipalities Union and Local Monitoring, Research, and Implementation Association (YERELİZ)
As part of the training program, after introductory modules focusing on key topics such as understanding the municipal system, local actors, essential documents, and particularly the strategic plan and its functions, the emphasis shifted to urban needs and the role of local governments in developing social policies.
The process of preparing a strategic plan was then discussed in the context of participatory methods, sustainable development goals, and local advocacy.
The strategic plan writing workshop held at the end of the two-day training served as a guiding session for municipal teams aiming to prepare participatory and inclusive plans. It marked the first steps toward developing localized, sustainable plans aligned with global indicators.
9. BAHCESEHIR UNIVERSITY POLITICS SCHOOL
BAU Politics School is one of the longest-running education and capacity-building programs launched by a university in Turkey, designed for today's and tomorrow's policymakers. The program is also open to anyone interested in the subject, allowing a broader audience to benefit from the knowledge and skills provided.
The most distinctive feature of Bahçeşehir University's long-established Politics School is its ability to bring together politicians, lawmakers, and key actors from across Turkey's diverse political spectrum, providing a safe and open platform for discussion. Over the years, BAU Politics School has graduated 17 members of parliament, 5 ministers, numerous deputy ministers, and bureaucrats from various political backgrounds. With its annually updated program, it offers a unique space where global and national issues are discussed among participants with differing perspectives. This makes it one of a kind in its field, fostering constructive dialogue and broadening understanding across political divides.
Bahçeşehir University's International Leadership Practice and Research Center (ULMER), under the Government Leadership School, organizes the Politics School program, which is a first in Turkey in terms of its name, format, and content. In 2023, the program continues to meet with students in lecture halls with renewed topics and guest speakers.
Over the years, the Politics School has hosted many key figures involved in the country's decision-making and advisory mechanisms, including presidents, prime ministers, ministers, ambassadors, members of parliament, thought leaders, and veteran academics. Thanks to the support of these distinguished guests and the keen interest of participants, the program has surpassed its own standards each academic year.
The main goal of the Politics School program is to equip future leaders with objective knowledge and data, enabling them to adapt to the changing profile of politics and politicians in a globalized world. The program covers significant events and periods in Turkey's history, not only from a theoretical perspective but also through the insights of politicians, academics, diplomats, economists, scientists, and businesspeople who were directly involved in these events, providing a cause-and-effect analysis.
The Politics School certificate program is held every academic year for 8 weeks, on Saturdays. The program is conducted in Turkish and takes place from 10:30 AM to 5:30 PM each Saturday. Each session consists of three separate segments, each lasting one hour and forty-five minutes, followed by a Q&A section to conclude the session.
In the eighth and ninth weeks of the program, participants' knowledge was enriched through training on the importance of sustainable development goals, the climate crisis, migration movements and the refugee issue, the energy crisis, the technological dimension of interstate relations, and digital politics.
10. BAU EARTHQUAKE DISASTER RISK REDUCTION WORKSHOP AND RESEARCH PROGRAM:
Capacity Building for Local Governments In The Earthquake-Affected Region
The Earthquake Disaster Risk Reduction Workshop and Research Program, hosted by Bahçeşehir University, brought together participants, including local governments and municipal representatives on 18 April 2023.
The purpose of this workshop was to support the capacity development of policymakers in light of international experience and knowledge accumulation.
The program welcomed a Japanese delegation composed of scientists and experts who experienced the Kobe earthquake, which resulted in significant losses in 1995 and became historically notable as the first instance of a skyscraper collapse due to an earthquake.
The delegation visited the earthquake-stricken areas in Kahramanmaraş and later participated in the Earthquake Disaster Risk Reduction Workshop and Research Program, where Bahçeşehir University Rector Prof. Dr. Şirin Karadeniz was also present.
The delegation, including Mr. Yukio Tanaka, Director of the Building Inspection and Zoning Department of Kobe Municipality, Mr. Masayoshi Nose, Director of the Kobe Municipal Crisis Management Center, and faculty members from Mukogawa Women’s University, Prof. Tosu Shigeki, Prof. Yanagisawa Kazuhiko, Prof. Tagawa Hiroyuki, alongside BAU Faculty of Architecture Dean Prof. Dr. Murat Dündar, inspected heavily damaged buildings in cities such as Hatay, conducting technical assessments.
Prof. Dr. Murat Dündar emphasized the global resonance of the disaster Turkey faced, stating, "The scale of the disaster our country has experienced has attracted worldwide attention. In this context, Mukogawa University, with which our university has had a long-standing collaboration, and various public institutions in Japan immediately contacted us after the earthquake to discuss how we should proceed. At Bahçeşehir University, we consider it a social responsibility to raise awareness about disasters at all levels of society, and we have decided to establish a dedicated mechanism. We invited our partners and experts from Japan to accompany us in the establishment phase of the center, helping to investigate the causes that exacerbated the disaster and to provide consultancy."
Prof. Dündar further added, "Although it has been two months since the disaster, the situation remains dire. The significance of the visits to the region cannot be overstated, as they offer a glimmer of hope for the continuation of the recovery process. During our visits, we realized that the reconstruction of the region poses significant challenges. One of the main reasons we invited our colleagues from Japan is to collaborate in the region's rehabilitation. We need to create international public awareness and form partnerships with countries that have expertise, experience, and financial resources in this area to redesign the future of the earthquake-affected cities. Various projections regarding the financial needs of the region have been drawn, and it has been frequently mentioned that over $100 billion in funding will be required for the region’s redevelopment."
Prof. Yanagisawa Kazuhiko, speaking about his experience in the earthquake zone, stated, "In our research, we focused on the structural problems of buildings together with the academics from the university. I also had the opportunity to meet with the mayors of Çukurova and Kahramanmaraş. This allowed me to evaluate the situation from the perspective of local governance. As you know, Japan has also experienced major earthquakes, such as in Kobe and Eastern Japan. Here, I could feel the destructive power of nature up close. We cannot prevent earthquakes, but we must be prepared."
11. In 2023, a cooperation protocol was signed between Bahçeşehir University and the Republic of Turkey's Ministry of Industry and Technology's Directorate General of National Technology to train and develop human resources.
12."URBANIZATION AND ISTANBUL" WORKSHOP in COLLABORATION WITH BAHÇEŞEHIR UNİVERSITY AND THE ISTANBUL METROPOLITAN MUNICIPALITY’S ISTANBUL PLANNING AGENCY
Bahçeşehir University, in collaboration with the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality’s Istanbul Planning Agency (IPA), organized a workshop to evaluate how migration has transformed cities and the role of this process in urban planning.
As part of the activities organized by Bahçeşehir University’s Center for Migration and Urban Studies (BAUMUS), the event titled "Urbanization and Istanbul" took place on December 22 at the Istanbul Planning Agency (IPA).
Moderated by BAUMUS founding director Prof. Dr. Ulaş Sunata, the event began with a presentation by Prof. Dr. Ahmet Özer titled "City and Urbanization." Prof. Dr. Özer provided an analytical explanation of urbanization, discussing developments in cities from 1923 to the present. He concluded his talk by giving examples of Turkish citizens' urbanization experiences.
Following this, Prof. Dr. Ulaş Sunata delivered a talk and highlighted how migration and the pandemic have transformed our lives in many ways. She emphasized the positive aspects of migration, noting that cities offer numerous opportunities and accessible public services. However, she also pointed out that, with the pandemic, not only our lives but also service delivery conditions have changed. Many services came into our homes, education continued remotely, and work patterns were updated. Additionally, the conditions of employment in the post-pandemic work environment also shifted.
Next, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bülent Sezgin, in his talk "City and Art," discussed how culture forms the fundamental structure of a city. He emphasized that cities like Istanbul, with their multicultural societies, should reflect this cultural diversity in their art. Assoc. Prof. Sezgin also highlighted that the pandemic brought significant changes to the field of art and argued that both art and social solidarity became necessary during this time. He concluded by stressing the need for more accessible cultural and artistic opportunities for all.
The final speaker, IPA Secretary General Oktay Kargül, gave a talk titled "City and Planning," in which he discussed urban planning from 1900 to 2009. He explained how urban planning in the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM) changed with Ekrem İmamoğlu’s tenure as mayor, stating that these changes were based on thorough needs analyses conducted with all city stakeholders.
13. The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Bahçeşehir University Migration and Urban Studies Center (BAUMUS), and the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR)'s International Training Centre for Authorities and Leaders CIFAL Istanbul jointly organized a workshop on MANAGING MIGRATION AT THE LOCAL LEVEL. The event was coordinated by UNFPA, BAUMUS, and CIFAL Istanbul, aiming to bring together prominent figures actively involved in local governments and civil society organizations. The workshop sought to analyze migration management, drawing on the field experiences of the participants.
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