Department Activities

“1 Cup Is Enough” Event Held at Istanbul Gelisim University

As part of Zero Waste Week (June 1–7), Istanbul Gelisim University organized the “1 Cup Is Enough” event on June 3, 2026, at the Ötüken Conference Hall to promote sustainable living and raise environmental awareness.

The opening speech was delivered by Asst. Prof. Burcu Savaş Çelik, our department faculty member and Vice Director of the Sustainable Environment and Society Application and Research Center (SCTUAM). In her remarks, she emphasized the importance of promoting sustainable consumption habits and highlighted the role of individual awareness in addressing environmental challenges.

The keynote speaker of the event, Res. Asst. Eda Türkay, delivered a presentation titled “Sustainable Approaches in Film Production,” focusing on environmentally friendly practices in the cinema industry. Türkay underlined the growing significance of sustainable production in creative industries.

The “Shared Future Panel” brought together representatives from various organizations. UN Youth Ambassador Resul Hüseynzade, 3H Movement President Hayat Çınar, and Green For Youth Marketing and Business Development Director Nisa Arslan shared their insights on sustainability, environmental awareness among young people, and responsibilities toward future generations. The panel was moderated by activist and artist Batuhan Aysan.

In her closing remarks, Asst. Prof. Burcu Savaş Çelik emphasized the importance of such initiatives in fostering sustainability awareness and expressed her gratitude to the speakers, participants, and students who contributed to the organization of the event.

Organized with the support of the Sustainable Environment and Society Application and Research Center (SCTUAM) and student clubs of Istanbul Gelisim University, the “1 Cup Is Enough” event concluded as a significant awareness initiative aimed at promoting zero-waste practices and encouraging a culture of sustainable living.










Technical Visit to HGL Customs Consultancy by the Department of International Trade and Business

The Department of International Trade and Business organized a technical visit to HGL Customs Consultancy, one of its external stakeholders, with the aim of supporting students’ theoretical knowledge through industry practices and contributing to their professional development. The program was carried out under the leadership of Asst. Prof. Burcu Savaş Çelik.

During the visit, students had the opportunity to gain comprehensive knowledge about customs consultancy processes, foreign trade operations, import and export procedures, customs regulations, and practices used within the sector. Presentations delivered by HGL Customs Consultancy representatives provided students with valuable insights into current practices and recent developments in the field of foreign trade.

Throughout the program, students had the opportunity to closely observe the practical applications of concepts covered theoretically in their courses while also interacting with industry professionals and gaining valuable experiences that may contribute to their future career planning. In addition, students’ questions were addressed by experts, and professional experiences from the sector were shared.

Department representatives emphasized the importance of university–industry collaboration in supporting students’ academic and professional development and stated that technical visits and practice-oriented activities that bring students together with the business world will continue.

As the Department of International Trade and Business, we would like to express our sincere gratitude to HGL Customs Consultancy representatives for their valuable contributions and hospitality.




UTI Career Meetings – 3 Event Successfully Held

Organized by the Department of International Trade and Business, the “UTI Career Meetings – 3” event titled “Türkiye’s Foreign Economic Relations and Global Markets” was held with strong student participation.

The seminar, organized on May 7, 2026, at K Block 347 Auditorium, focused on foreign economic relations, current developments in global markets, and Türkiye’s position within international trade.

The guest speaker of the seminar, Dr. Hakkı KARATAŞ, Chief Economist at DEİK – Foreign Economic Relations Board, shared valuable insights on global economic dynamics, international trade policies, and transformations in financial markets. The event was moderated by Asst. Prof. Burcu Savaş ÇELİK, faculty member of the Department of International Trade and Business.

During the event, students were also informed about DEİK’s fields of activity, its role in Türkiye’s economic diplomacy vision, the operations of business councils, and projects aimed at strengthening international trade relations. Students gained important insights into DEİK’s bridge-building role between the public sector and the business world, as well as its international trade networks.

Through this event, which brought together academia and industry professionals, students had the opportunity to gain knowledge about current economic developments while also benefiting from valuable career-oriented experiences. The seminar concluded with an interactive Q&A session that attracted significant interest from participants.

The Department of International Trade and Business aims to continue organizing career-oriented events that bring students together with industry representatives and experts in the future.








Sustainable Solutions to the Climate Crisis Discussed

The event titled “Protecting the Future: Climate Crisis and Sustainable Solutions” was held with strong participation from students.

The speaker of the event, Assist. Prof. Dr. Burcu Savaş Çelik—Deputy Director of the Sustainable Environment and Society Research and Application Center and a faculty member of the Department of International Trade and Business—addressed the global impacts of the climate crisis from a multidimensional perspective. Çelik emphasized that sustainability should be evaluated not only from an environmental perspective but also through its economic and social dimensions.

In her speech, Çelik discussed possible solutions to the increasingly deepening climate crisis and highlighted the importance of policies to be implemented at both institutional and governmental levels, alongside raising individual awareness. She stated that promoting sustainable production and consumption habits plays a critical role in leaving a more livable world for future generations.

During the event, which saw active participation from students, there was a productive exchange of ideas on the role of communication in combating climate change, sustainability-oriented projects, and current practices. Participants had the opportunity to benefit from the experiences of an expert academic and to directly ask their questions on the topic.

The event contributed to increasing students’ awareness of sustainability while also providing them with academic and sectoral perspectives.

Career Introduction from a Sustainability Perspective: Bridging Academia and Civil Society

The second Career Information Seminar was organized through the collaboration of the Department of International Trade and Business and the Sustainable Environment and Society Application and Research Center operating within our University, with the aim of strengthening academic–sectoral interaction. The invited speaker, Şafak Özsoy, provided comprehensive insights into current sustainability practices, approaches to sustainable development at both local and global levels, the roles undertaken by civil society organizations in these processes, and opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration.

During the seminar, guidance was offered particularly to students interested in pursuing careers in sustainability and to researchers aiming to conduct academic studies in this field. Emphasis was placed on the importance of developing projects at both individual and institutional levels in line with the Sustainable Development Goals, as well as on the value of volunteering activities and social responsibility initiatives. Furthermore, the strategic importance of strengthening university–civil society cooperation in promoting sustainable environment and society awareness was highlighted.

Moderated by Başak Özarslan, the seminar fostered a discussion environment that integrated academic perspectives with practical experience, thereby contributing to increased awareness among participants. The program concluded with an interactive question-and-answer session, providing an opportunity for students and academics to evaluate current developments in sustainability and to discuss potential avenues for future collaboration.

Overall, the event was considered a significant activity that contributed to our University’s sustainability-oriented institutional vision, strengthened academia–civil society engagement, and supported students’ professional orientation processes.


The Strenght of Türkiye: Forests

As part of Forest Week (March 21–26), the Sustainable Environment and Society Application and Research Center and our department participated as external stakeholders in the “The Strength of Türkiye: Forests” event organized by the General Directorate of Forestry.

The event was coordinated by our faculty member and Vice Director of the Sustainable Environment and Society Application and Research Center, Asst. Prof. Burcu SAVAŞ ÇELİK, together with our academic staff member, Research Assistant Çağrı Selman İĞDE. Students from UTİ-AKSEK (Academic, Cultural and Social Activities Club), the Department of International Trade and Business, and the Department of International Trade and Finance also actively participated in the event.

Held with strong participation and great interest, the event contributed to raising public awareness about the sustainability of forest resources, environmental consciousness, and their vital importance for future generations. It also once again highlighted the strategic role of protecting natural assets within the framework of sustainable development.














Sustainability Talks – IV Is Sustainability Possible Without Nuclear Energy?

Organized by the Sustainable Environment and Society Application and Research Center (SCTUAM), the fourth session of the Sustainability Talks series was held on February 17, 2026, under the title “Is Sustainability Possible Without Nuclear Energy?”

The guest speaker, nuclear energy expert Okan Yıldız, addressed the role of nuclear energy in the global energy transition, its potential contribution to reducing carbon emissions, and how it should be evaluated alongside renewable energy sources. Yıldız emphasized the need for a multidimensional assessment of energy scenarios in terms of energy security, supply continuity, and climate goals.

The session was moderated by our department's faculty member and SCTUAM Director Assoc. Prof. Başak Özarslan, who highlighted the importance of addressing sustainability policies not only from an environmental perspective but also through their economic and social dimensions, stressing the necessity of interdisciplinary approaches.

With active participation from attendees, the event evolved into an interactive discussion covering renewable energy investments, the safety aspects of nuclear technologies, waste management, and the future of energy policies within the framework of sustainable development goals.


1. Traditional UTI Autumn Festival Held with Enthusiasm

 

"1. Traditional UTI Autumn Festival," organized this year by the International Trade and Business Department, was held with high participation on Friday, December 19, 2025, in the Mehmet Akif Ersoy Conference Hall.

 

The festival, which began with opening speeches at 10:00 AM, added dynamism to university life with colorful events throughout the day. The program included icebreaker activities and refreshments prepared by the Culinary Arts Department of the Vocational School.

 

Concerts featuring AGÂH, Grup Çarşamba, and DJ performances added music-filled moments to the festival. Later in the day, a Latin dance performance and workshop were greatly appreciated by the audience. The event included: Elite Latin House (ELH) and International Dance Organization (IDO) 2024 Solo Women's Champion and 2025 Bachatanama Solo Champion Melis Akdağ, along with BAM Dance Academy instructor Bora Akın Meral, took the stage. Following the dance performance, a theatrical show once again showcased the unifying power of art. Students experienced an unforgettable day at this special event where academic and social life intertwined.

 

The festival, coordinated by Asst. Prof. Sezer Ayaz, reflected Istanbul Gelişim University's student-focused social event vision and ensured a strong start for the UTI Autumn Festival, which aims to become a tradition.