Collaboration with NGOs to tackle the SDGs
Bahçeşehir University (BAU) places significant emphasis on collaborating with NGOs to address the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The university actively engages in various initiatives that align with this global agenda through student volunteering programs, targeted research collaborations, and the development of educational resources.
The following section provides examples of initiatives that Bahçeşehir University launched in previous years and continued into 2022-2023, as well as new projects implemented during this period in collaboration with NGOs, directly supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through impactful programs and activities:
1.Expectations of Generation Z from Working Life: A Longitude Resarch by BAU, SEY FOUNDATION and ATA HOLDING
This research was conducted with the aim of addressing Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4, Quality Education, and SDG 8, Decent Work and Economic Growth. The profound changes in working life brought on by the pandemic, along with the evolving perspectives of employees toward their careers, have underscored the importance of exploring the concept of employee commitment, particularly among younger generations. This shift has made it essential to review and update management strategies and human resources practices.
The research seeks to contribute to these strategies through scientific and evidence-based data by analyzing the expectations of Generation Z as they transition from university to the workforce. Moreover, it aims to enhance existing corporate practices and develop new ones that align with the views and attitudes of Generation Z regarding their professional lives.
This initiative is a collaborative effort between the private sector, academia, and civil society organizations, specifically involving Bahçeşehir University (BAU), Ata Holding, and the Semra Enver Yücel Foundation (SEY Foundation).
The "Expectations of Generation Z from Working Life: A Longitudinal Research" report can be accessed through the following link.
2.Student Volunteering Programs
Bahçeşehir University supports efforts that contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals through student volunteer activities conducted in collaboration with various non-governmental organizations. During the relevant academic year, the university engaged in volunteer activities in partnership with diverse NGOs, including TEMA, Rotary, The Cancer-Free Life Association, and the SEY Foundation.
A summary report of these volunteer activities can be accessed through the link below.
https://cdn.bau.edu.tr/content/rmlvahwk5k9cm-BiSoluk%202023-24%20Faaliyet%20Raporu.pdf
3.Climate Change: UbD-Based Activities for Preschool and Primary School Book
The book Climate Change: UbD-Based Activities for Preschool and Primary School, prepared in collaboration with Bahçeşehir University, CIFAL Istanbul, Yuvam Dünya Association, and UNITAR.
This educational resource is designed to explain climate change, its impacts, and possible preventive measures to children through various activities. It aims to contribute to the curriculum in Turkey, which lacks sufficient educational material on climate action, and to support relevant stakeholders in achieving sustainable development goals related to climate action.
Within the scope of climate change studies conducted at the BAU Faculty of Educational Sciences, the book was edited by Associate Prof. Dr. Nihal Yurtseven and Associate Prof. Dr. Seda Saraç. It is structured for three educational levels: preschool, grades one and two, and grades three and four, encompassing four distinct themes.
The main themes of the book are titled What is Climate?, Global Warming and Climate Change, Effects of Climate Change, and Preventive Measures for Climate Change. The unit plans, designed to last approximately 16 hours at each educational level, are based on the UbD (Understanding by Design) instructional model.
These plans aim to increase students' awareness of climate change, help them transfer the knowledge gained through these activities into their daily lives, and ultimately cultivate climate-literate individuals.
4.The Hazelnut Farming: Economic, Environmental, And Geopolitical Challenges And Future Scenarıos Research in Collaboratıon Wıth Bahçeşehir Unıversıty, The Ordu Chamber Of Commerce And Industry and Otso Academy Foundation
The research report titled "The Future and Problems of the Hazelnut Sector in Turkey 2023" was conducted in collaboration with the Ordu Chamber of Commerce and Industry and OTSO Academy was publihed.
The report provides a comprehensive analysis of Turkey's hazelnut sector, focusing on its structural issues, economic significance, and future challenges. It highlights that Turkey is the world's largest hazelnut producer and exporter, yet the sector faces problems related to productivity, market volatility, and price instability. The study emphasizes the need for reforms in cultivation techniques, technological advancements, and better market strategies to ensure the sustainability and competitiveness of the sector.
Additionally, the report discusses the impact of global demand fluctuations, climate change, and trade policies on the hazelnut industry. It calls for stronger public-private cooperation, investment in R&D, and enhanced support for farmers to address these challenges. The report concludes by offering recommendations to improve the sector's resilience and sustain its leading position in the global market.
The relevant report can be accessed through the following link.
5.Bau - The Food And Agrıculture Organizatıon Of The Unıted Nations (FAO) Partnershıp For Sustaınable Agriculture
Since May 2022, Bahçeşehir University (BAU) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) have been collaborating to advance sustainable food systems, technological innovation, and smart agriculture.
This partnership, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding, focuses on several key areas, including the creation of a "Learning, Research and Application Platform" and technical cooperation on digital transformation and the application of artificial intelligence (AI) in food systems. The collaboration also emphasizes gender equality and the empowerment of rural women. Through capacity development, knowledge exchange, research, innovation, and data sharing, BAU and FAO are promoting sustainable practices in Turkey, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Advocacy and communication efforts are also central to their work, raising awareness and supporting the implementation of good policies and practices.
https://www.fao.org/partnerships/academia/partner-showcase/detail/fr/c/1675350/
6.Bahçeşehir Unıversity Became A Strategic Partner With The Impact Investing Advisory Board (Eydk) And “Etkiyap” Assocıation
The foundations of the Impact Investing Advisory Board (EYDK) in Turkey, which will function like a higher council in identifying needs, developing strategies, and formulating policy recommendations for impact investment, were laid in April 2019.
Following its official establishment, the Impact Investing Advisory Board (EYDK) quickly and efficiently commenced its activities, working in close collaboration with all stakeholders in the ecosystem. Through these partnerships, EYDK developed inclusive and data-driven reports. To date, significant progress was made in policy development, market expansion, improving communication through a common language, and research, all while considering Turkey’s strategic priorities.
In March 2022, after swiftly completing a thorough due diligence process, EYDK became a member of the Global Steering Group for Impact Investment (GSG), positioning itself as an active player in the global impact investment ecosystem. As part of global impact investing networks, EYDK has since served as a crucial bridge, bringing global developments to Turkey and sharing Turkey’s best practices with international stakeholders, thus facilitating the allocation of international capital to Turkey. https://www.eydk.org/eydk/
Bahçeşehir University became a stakeholder by joining the Impact Investing Advisory Board (EYDK), which operates across a broad spectrum of activities ranging from contributing to policy development processes related to impact investing to supporting sustainable development through the promotion of best practices.
Information regarding Bahçeşehir University's collaboration with the relevant NGO and its membership can be accessed through the following link.
https://www.eydk.org/eydk-uyesi-olan-bahcesehir-universitesini-ziyaret-ettik/?lang=tr
7."WOMEN, RESILIENCE, AND RECOVERY: BAHÇEŞEHIR UNIVERSITY AND WOMEN'S NGOS in ACTION"
Bahçeşehir University, in collaboration with the Professional Women's Network and Women Entrepreneurs Association of Turkey (KAGIDER), organized a workshop focused on mapping women-centered NGOs operating in the regions affected by the February 6, 2023 earthquake.
The event that took place on March 2, 2023,. The primary aim of this workshop was to identify gender-based challenges faced by women in the earthquake-affected areas, discuss potential solutions, and foster coordination among women-focused civil society organizations active in the region.
Over 20 women-focused NGOs, committed to addressing women's issues, providing support, and empowering women in the disaster zone, came together at the workshop hosted by Bahçeşehir University. The university was represented by Rector Prof. Dr. Şirin Karadeniz and Social Impact and Responsibility Director, Prof. Dr. Sis Hall. During the workshop, a comprehensive mapping of urgent needs in the region was conducted, detailing which NGO was addressing specific issues, identifying existing needs, and exploring potential collaborations. The outcomes of this mapping study were shared with the public and policymakers to inform future actions.
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