Istanbul Youth Summit 2024 successfully held a series of events for 4 days at Windsor Hotel and Convention Center and Golden Tulip Hotel, Bayrampasa, Istanbul, Turkeyye. The series of events began on March 4, 2024 with a Gala Dinner at the Windsor Hotel and Convention Center. This event was the first in a series of events for the participants who gathered from 27 countries. Hundreds of participants were present in a warm atmosphere, enjoying delicious Turkish dishes. Aldi Subakti, Chair of the Istanbul Youth Summit, delivered the official opening remarks, expressing gratitude for the participants’ attendance and dedication in advancing international cooperation. “Thank you for the enthusiasm of all participants, hopefully this event can have a positive impact on our friends and the world”, he added.
The next day, the event continued with the Youth Talkshow which was attended by 3 great speakers namely Neona Ayu from Indonesia, Manal Boujnir from Maroco, and Nida Saithi from Pakistan. After the Youth Talkshow, the event continued with a Panel Discussion which was divided into 2 sessions discussing various issues relevant to the theme “Innovation and Collaboration: Unlocking Youth-driven Solutions for Sustainability” with the main discussion of 4 SDGd sub-themes namely Education (SDG 4: Quality Education), Health (SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being), Economy (SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth), and Environment (SDG 13: Climate Action).
The first session was filled by 4 speakers, namely: Erkan Girisit from Turkiye Mezunlari (YTB), Dr. Sahin Yaman from International Trade Advisor – Health Industry Employers’ Association of Turkey, Dr. Cindy May Mc Guire Youth Influencer, Indonesia, and Fahri Firdaus Business Development at Dayalima Abisatya, Indonesia. Then continued the second session by Agustinus Toko Susetio Head of CSR and Institutional Relations, PT ANTAM Tbk, Indonesia, Hira Listya Pinastika as Product Scientist PT Paragon Technology & Innovation, Adisty Ghaisani Muthiah Learning Consultant/Psychologist at Dayalima, Indonesia, and Ayşegül Ketenci, Akademisyen and Ekotürk TV Assistant Professor İstanbul Kültür Üniversitesi, Turkiye.
The next day, March 6, 2024, the event continued with social project presentations by all participants who were divided into 15 groups. The participants presented their social projects related to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with each presentation title as follows:
1. Group 1 Amerta bhumi
2. Group 2 Terra Nova
3. Group 3 Loop Wear
4. Group 4 Hyge
5. Group 5 Mentassist
6. Group 6 Koanteen
7. Group 8 PISphere
8. Group 7 Bringing Technology
9. Group 9 Warsigram
10. Group 10 Mentor Link
11. Group 11 Petualam
12. Group 12 Toma World
13. Group 13 Second Chance
14. Group 14 Help Single Mother
15. Group 15 Saneed.co
All participants enthusiastically conveyed their thoughts and ideas, through social projects that had been prepared since December with the direction of experienced mentors in each field. The presentation of the social project was carried out with a duration of 25 minutes which was divided into two sessions, the first session was the presentation of ideas for 15 minutes which was then followed by a question and answer session and giving feedback from the judges for 10 minutes. Faraj Abbasi, one of the participants from New Zealand gave his response “My hope for the project is that Mentor Link provides learning for everyone anywhere anytime whenever they want, however they want, I want Mentor Link to be something universal”.
The event culminated with the Awarding Night on March 6, 2024 at the Golden Tulip Hotel Istanbul. The Awarding Night was opened with a beautiful dance by Davina Huwaida, one of the Indonesian students studying in Istanbul. The event then continued with the announcement and awarding. The committee gave appreciation for various categories, namely:
1. Best Male Presenter
2. Best Female Presenter
3. Best Delegates
4. Best Group Leader
5. Best Essay
6. Best Group
7. Best Social Project
8. Most Active Group
On March 7, 2024 Istanbul Youth Summit 2024 ended with the hope that it would have a positive impact on all participants after they returned to their respective home countries from various parts of the world.
