WORKING WITH GOVERNTMENT
Neutral platform and a safe space for various political stakeholders
Bahçeşehir University (BAU) is renowned not only for its rigorous academic programs and cutting-edge research but also for fostering a vibrant environment of intellectual inquiry and open dialogue.
The university as a body provides a neutral platform and a safe space where diverse different stakeholders can convene to engage in frank discussions about pressing challenges.
This inclusive and impartial atmosphere encourages the exchange of ideas and perspectives, ensuring that all voices are heard. By offering a space for constructive debate, BAU plays a crucial role in facilitating cross-disciplinary and cross-ideological collaboration, ultimately contributing to a deeper understanding of complex issues and the development of innovative solutions.
In the following sections, it can be seen how BAU’s commitment to neutrality and intellectual openness has created a unique environment where meaningful dialogue thrives and how these initiatives contribute to the broader academic landscape.
1-BAHÇEŞEHIR UNIVERSITY POLITICS SCHOOL
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 for 20 years.
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.
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.
An example of media coverage reflecting how BAU Politics School brings together politicians from different political backgrounds can be accessed through the following link.
2-BAHCESEHIR UNIVERSITY DIPLOMAT SCHOOL
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.
With the support of these esteemed guests and the strong interest of participants, the program has consistently raised its standards each academic year.
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.
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.
In 2023 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.
3-BAHÇEŞEHİR UNIVERSITY PEACE CENTER
Since 2023, Bahçeşehir University has hosted the Rotary Peace Center, which serves in the MENA region, in collaboration with CIFAL Istanbul, operating under the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR).
The BAU Peace Center aims to enhance human capacity for resolving regional issues and conflicts. It provides a safe and neutral environment where different perspectives can be discussed openly, fostering dialogue in the pursuit of peace.
Detailed information about Bahçeşehir University's Peace Center can be accessed through the link below.
https://rpc.bau.edu.tr/pages/about-us/
4-FROM WATER SCARCITY TO WATER SECURITY: NAVIGATING CHALLENGES, DISCOVERİIG SOLUTIONS: "Water is Life Water Means Food”; Collaborative Workshop with BAU and FAO
Bahçeşehir University and CIFAL Istanbul hosted the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations at Bahçeşehir University on 16 October 2023 World Food Day with this year’s theme “Water is Life Water Means Food.”
This thought-provoking and enlightening event, the "FAO – BAU World Food Day Workshop" a gathering that transcended disciplines and united academics, professionals, local government agencies from differient political parties and students in a profound exploration of water's pivotal role in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and ensuring food security. (17 de düzelt)
In collaboration with the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), Bahçeşehir University's Center for Society, Health, Behavior, and Prevention, Bahçeşehir University Faculty of Law, and CIFAL Istanbul, a roundtable meeting titled “SDGs and Beyond 2: Challenges and Opportunities for the Post-2030 SDGs” was held on November 9, 2023, with the participation of UNITAR Director Alex Mejía.
During the meeting, discussions were held on analyzing the problems and challenges on the path to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, as well as exploring potential opportunities to accelerate the process.
Efforts were made to ascertain the advancement status of individual Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), identifying those that have made notable progress and those facing critical challenges, while seeking actionable strategies to expedite their advancement.
Information regarding the roundtable meeting on the challenges and issues related to the SDGs, as well as potential opportunities and solutions, held in collaboration between NGOs and universities, can be accessed through the following link.
https://cifalistanbul.org/sdgs-and-beyond-challanges-and-opportunities-at-the-wake-of-2030/