The “From Shadow to Light Project”, supported by the General Directorate of Civil Society Relations of the Ministry of Interior, coordinated by the Istanbul Governorship, with scientific consultancy from Üsküdar Üniversitesi, and executed by the Kastamonu Associations Federation, marked an important meeting strengthening the interaction of young people with the business world. The project stood out as an exemplary model supporting young people's participation in social innovation processes by revealing their potential.
The ‘Youth Meet Business People’ event, organized within the scope of the project, was hosted by the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce (ITO). At the meeting, ITO President Şekip Avdagiç, Assembly Speaker Dr. Erhan Erken, businessman İshak Koçoğlu, and Üsküdar Üniversitesi Young Brains Academy Director and Social Contribution Coordinator Asst. Prof. Dr. Nebiye Yaşar met with young people and exchanged views on career, entrepreneurship, and social contribution.
Şekip Avdagiç: “The energy of young minds guides the world”
Şekip Avdagiç, Chairman of the Board of Directors of ITO, who met with young people at the event, emphasized that Istanbul is the heart of the Turkish economy. Avdagiç stated; “Istanbul is the capital of trade, innovation, and cultural richness. This city grows, renews itself, and guides the world with the energy of young minds. Being here with young people today gives us both hope for the future and responsibility. When the vision of young people combines with our experience, a synergy emerges that will provide not only economic but also social transformation. The From Shadow to Light Project is a very meaningful example in this respect.”
Dr. Erhan Erken: “Every generation brings a new perspective”
Dr. Erhan Erken, Speaker of the ITO Assembly, who took a keen interest in young people during the meeting, stated that young people's contact with the business world is valuable for corporate renewal. Erken said; “Every generation brings a new perspective, a new energy. As the ITO Assembly, we believe in learning from the ideas of young people and drawing strength from their energy. Dialogue with young people ensures the continuity of institutions and increases the pace of societal development. Projects that support young people's idea generation skills contribute to both the academic and economic ecosystems. The From Shadow to Light Project creates a model in this sense.”
İshak Koçoğlu: “There is a light within every young person”
İshak Koçoğlu, one of the project consultants, an ITO Assembly Member, and a businessman, emphasized in his speech to young people that they should have a greater role in decision-making mechanisms. Koçoğlu said; “Trade and production grow not only with capital but also with vision. It is young people who will keep this vision alive. Their ideas should echo in assemblies, administrations, and boards. Because young people are not only our future but also today's power of change. There is a light within every young person. Making this light visible is our social and humanitarian duty.”
Asst. Prof. Dr. Nebiye Yaşar: “Change is a two-way process”
Asst. Prof. Dr. Nebiye Yaşar, Director of Üsküdar Üniversitesi Young Brains Academy and Social Contribution Coordinator, who serves as the scientific consultant for the project, explained the project's goals. Yaşar stated; “The From Shadow to Light Project aims for young people to realize their potential, transform into productive individuals, and express themselves in an environment where experience meets science. In this project, not only young people but also the business world learns, because change is a two-way process.”
Dr. Yaşar also stated that the project is carried out in line with sustainable development goals and encourages young people to take an active role in social entrepreneurship, innovation, and volunteering.
Young people's participation in social innovation processes is targeted
Throughout the event, young people had the opportunity to present their projects to business people, exchange ideas, and establish mentoring relationships.
The From Shadow to Light Project stands out as an exemplary implementation that supports the active participation of young people in social innovation processes throughout the country, in line with the youth and social participation policies of the Ministry of Interior.