Ankara: Organized by the 23 Foundation, the youth event Summit 23 opened its doors for the fifth time in Istanbul with the theme 'Go to Yourself.' The summit, hosted by the Istanbul Basketball Development Center, attracted 3,000 students who were selected through a rigorous application process, alongside nearly 500 professionals, civil society representatives, and key figures from the business sector.
According to Anadolu Agency, the event centered on the motto 'Go to Yourself,' symbolizing the journey of self-discovery for young individuals. The sessions focused on nine core themes: uncertainty, doubt, curiosity, passion, balance, peace, conscience, courage, and revolution. Each speaker addressed one of these topics, with the sessions moderated by Serdar Turan, Editor-in-Chief of Harvard Business Review Trkiye.
The lineup of speakers included notable figures such as Ahmet Akyol, General Manager of ASELSAN; Ebru Tasci Firuzbay, Executive Vice President for Talent and Culture at Garanti BBVA; Meltem Bakiler Sahin, Executive Vice President at Vodafone Trkiye; Jimmy Wales, founder of Wikipedia; technology and sustainability communicator Sertac Doganay; food writer Refika Birgul; actor Zafer Algoz; and technology writer Serdar Kuzuloglu.
This year's event saw over 30,000 applications, marking a significant interest in the summit, which has witnessed the participation of more than 12,000 individuals over the past four years. Since its inception in 2021, the 23 Foundation has aimed to bolster Trkiye's qualified human capital by providing young people with an 'educational journey' that enhances their skills through unique experiences.
Kadir Aydin, Chairman of the 23 Foundation, explained to Anadolu that the summit's theme emphasizes the challenging yet courageous process of self-discovery. Aydin highlighted that the summit provides a platform for young individuals to connect with peers and inspiring speakers, supporting them on their journey of self-exploration.
Aydin further noted that Summit 23 holds a unique position within the foundation's activities. He disclosed that 70 participants from this year's summit would join the foundation's two-year, experience-based program. Participants engage in workshops, academic and research projects, social responsibility initiatives, and entrepreneurship programs throughout this period.
In their first year, participants attend the summit, and in the second, they volunteer, contributing back to the community. After completing the program, they become '23 graduates.' Aydin shared that over 200 young people have graduated from the program, many of whom have gone on to excel in entrepreneurship, academia, civil society, and the business world.
Looking ahead, Aydin expressed the foundation's intention to expand globally, maintaining its synergy and values while reaching a wider audience. He emphasized the importance of young people participating in such initiatives for their personal development.
Meltem Bakiler Sahin of Vodafone Trkiye expressed her satisfaction in participating in an event that brought together eager young minds. She noted the motivational energy and curiosity of young people and affirmed Vodafone's continued support for them.