In cooperation with Üsküdar University Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Strategic Research Application and Research Center (ÜSSAM), and Turkey Economic, Political, and Strategic Research Center (TESAM), a program titled 'Foreign Service Professional Training: Becoming a Diplomat in Foreign Affairs' was organized. The program was attended by Sri Lanka's Ambassador to Ankara Saranya Hasanthi Urugodawatte Dissanayake, Ambassador İskender Okyay, and Ambassador Ergin Soner. Speaking at the opening of the program, Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences Prof. Dr. Deniz Ülke Kaynak emphasized that undertaking duties on behalf of the state is a sacred task. Kaynak also stated that they aim to educate well-equipped students in the field of international relations.
The program, held at the Fuat Sezgin Conference Hall of Üsküdar University's South Campus, was attended by Üsküdar University Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences Dean Prof. Dr. Deniz Ülke Kaynak, Head of the Political Science and International Relations (English) Department Prof. Dr. Havva Kök Arslan, TESAM members, including TESAM Founding Chairman İlyas Bozkurt, and Üsküdar University academics and students.
The program, where ambassadors shared their professional experiences, was met with great interest by the students.
Prof. Dr. Deniz Ülke Kaynak: “We aim to educate well-equipped students in the field of International Relations”
The opening speech of the program was delivered by Üsküdar University Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences Dean Prof. Dr. Deniz Ülke Kaynak. Kaynak stated, “For an individual to represent their state, to undertake duties on behalf of their state, is truly a very sacred duty. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is an extremely technical field that requires excellent education. This work must be carried out by individuals who possess the necessary knowledge and qualifications. We aim to educate well-equipped students in the field of International Relations. We develop our curricula in this direction, and such training will be very enlightening and vision-enhancing for each of you. Recently, we observe that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been working very successfully and that Turkey has experienced a significant shift in its international relations. Turkey is in a strong position due to a very favorable environment and well-managed processes. Therefore, the upcoming period will offer abundant opportunities for all of you.”
İlyas Bozkurt: “Last year, we published 64 international peer-reviewed scientific books”
TESAM Founding Chairman İlyas Bozkurt stated that it is of great importance for think tanks to collaborate with universities and the state to carry out joint studies; “Among civil society organizations, perhaps one of the most important are think tanks. As TESAM, I can confidently say that we are Turkey’s strongest think tank. Last year, we published 64 international peer-reviewed scientific books. There are very few think tanks in Turkey that can publish 64 scientific books a year, organize at least 7-8 workshops, and have a peer-reviewed journal. Although many think tanks have been established in Turkey in the last 15-20 years, most of them are small clubs formed by a few academics. However, there are also think tanks that do valuable work. I believe that stronger organizations will emerge in the coming years. Creating this culture is very important. Therefore, it is of great importance for TESAM-style think tanks to collaborate with universities and the state to carry out joint studies.” he said.
Following the opening speeches, the panel began under the moderation of Head of the Political Science and International Relations (English) Department Prof. Dr. Havva Kök Arslan.
Sri Lanka's Ambassador to Ankara Hasanti: “Diplomacy is gaining increasing importance”
Sri Lanka's Ambassador to Ankara Saranya Hasanthi Urugodawatte Dissanayake, in her speech, drew attention to diplomacy preventing war. Hasanti said; “I chose to come to Ankara, to come to Turkey, out of my own will, but the reason for this was not diplomatic relations between Sri Lanka and Turkey. I chose it because I have an interest in archaeology and also received an education in archaeology. I have been serving for more than two years. I will be leaving my post here in October, due to the right to serve for a maximum of three years in one place in Sri Lanka. Our duty is a difficult and arduous task. Sri Lanka is a multi-religious nation. I am a Buddhist; when I witnessed Eid al-Adha in Turkey, it felt contrary to my nature, but I did not judge it. When you are a diplomat, you must have this openness. Diplomacy is gaining increasing importance. Diplomacy is a profession that prevents conflict and war. In war, there are always heroes, but in peace, there are never heroes. This is how we can understand the importance of diplomacy.” she said.
Ambassador İskender Okyay: “Being active in international relations is not just about being a diplomat”
Ambassador İskender Okyay, emphasizing the depths of the profession, stated that one must be prepared for challenges. Okyay said; “Being active in international relations is not just about being a diplomat. If you come from one country and work in another, even that is international relations. You can think broadly. Former bureaucrats instilled in us the ways of that era, but times have changed. That era is no longer here. The reason for this is technology. You need to adapt to these changes. When you enter the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, you won't necessarily be sent wherever you wish. Be accustomed to surprises. It is a profession with both power and difficulties. You are very closely involved with politics. You must be prepared for these. Being flexible is important. You should not lose your character traits. You need to be able to read changes. Make a difference and be ready for development.” he said.
Ambassador Ergin Soner: “Being a foreign service officer is a profession that requires great sacrifice”
Ambassador Ergin Soner, stating that ambassadorship is a proud profession, said he believes he has the most beautiful profession in the world. Soner said; “There are certain technical issues, and it is the same in our foreign service. For example, aviation and maritime issues, or the Aegean problems in Turkish-Greek relations. These areas are handled by specific departments, focusing solely on these subjects. Another example is NATO affairs. NATO has a special department within the Turkish foreign service, where it is evaluated as a whole with its political, economic, and cultural dimensions. Being a foreign service officer is an extremely challenging profession that requires great sacrifice. In the Republic of Turkey, there are two exceptional civil service positions: ambassadorship and governorship. We are civil servants, but exceptional civil servants. The most important duty of ambassadors is to represent the government, the state, and personally the President. From this perspective, ambassadorship is an extremely honorable and proud profession. However, this profession directly affects not only the individual's life but also their family's. If you intend to start a family, your spouse and children will also be affected by the positive and negative aspects of this profession. In my personal opinion, ambassadorship is one of the most beautiful and enriching professions in the world. As long as you do not lose your health, you will experience significant development and enrichment in your worldview.” he concluded.
Following Ambassador Ergin Soner's speech, participants' questions were answered.
Later, the closing speech of the program was delivered by Head of the Political Science and International Relations Department of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Assoc. Prof. Dr. İbrahim Arslan.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. İbrahim Arslan: “We have a structure that brings together the schools of Mekteb-i Mülkiye and Mekteb-i Şahane”
Assoc. Prof. Dr. İbrahim Arslan said; “As Üsküdar University Department of Political Science and International Relations, we have a structure that brings together the schools of Mekteb-i Mülkiye and Mekteb-i Şahane. In this regard, I believe we offer valuable contributions to our students. This event, organized for the first time in cooperation with TESAM, was highly productive and beneficial.” he said.
Following the presentation of certificates of appreciation and gifts, the program concluded with a group photo session.
