Üsküdar Üniversitesi, a pioneer in social innovation, continues to make a difference both regionally and nationally in collaboration with KASTOB. A kick-off meeting on “Social Innovation Model Projects” was held, hosted by Üsküdar Üniversitesi, with the Black Sea Confederation of Non-Governmental Organizations (KASTOB). The meeting marked the first step for projects to be submitted to the Ministry of Interior. Üsküdar Üniversitesi, KASTOB, and the presidents of affiliated federations signed off on an important meeting that will shape the future of social innovation. In this context, the importance of Social Innovation Model projects was emphasized, and strategic planning was conducted.
The meeting, held at Üsküdar Üniversitesi Central Campus, brought together the academic world's knowledge and the practical experiences of civil society organizations. The meeting was attended by KASTOB President Nevzat Duyar, Üsküdar Üniversitesi Rector's Advisor and Head of Financial Affairs Group Emine Dönmez, ARGEYEP President Assoc. Prof. Dr. Müge Ensari Özay, Young Brains Academy Director Dr. Lecturer Nebiye Yaşar, Head of Financial Affairs Department Ümit Daşdemir, and Federation Presidents.
Details of innovative steps that will provide societal benefit were discussed
The meeting held with KASTOB aimed for civil society organizations to develop solutions for social problems and implement these solutions. The confederation president and federation leaders exchanged ideas on various projects, discussing the details of innovative steps that would provide societal benefit. During the meeting, strategic planning was carried out on issues such as project sustainability, effective resource utilization, and reaching broad audiences.
KASTOB President Nevzat Duyar: “We play a key role in societal transformation”
KASTOB President Nevzat Duyar drew attention to the role of civil society organizations in societal transformation during the meeting. Duyar stated, “As civil society organizations, we play a key role in societal transformation. We are working for a more livable world with our social innovation projects.”
Duyar also mentioned KASTOB's projects, including the “Hatay Civil Society Village” project, the Women on the Coast Short Film Competition, and February 27th World NGO Day.
Attention drawn to issues to be considered in financial processes
Rector's Advisor and Head of Financial Affairs Group Emine Dönmez drew attention to issues that need to be considered in the financial processes of projects.
TÜBİTAK project collaborations were discussed
ARGEYEP President Assoc. Prof. Dr. Müge Ensari Özay discussed collaborations on European Union and TÜBİTAK projects.
Emphasis placed on the importance of Social Innovation Model projects
During the meeting, Young Brains Academy Director Dr. Lecturer Nebiye Yaşar emphasized the importance of Social Innovation Model Projects. Yaşar provided explanations with example projects and stated that they aim for projects to be based on scientific foundations and to achieve more effective results.
Head of Financial Affairs Department Ümit Daşdemir, on the other hand, stated that they would provide all kinds of support to the federations regarding the budget.
Federation presidents also emphasized the importance of cooperation and solidarity, expressing the power of acting together in projects for the benefit of society.
Projects to be submitted to the Ministry of Interior
Projects to be prepared by KASTOB and the federation presidents, with the support of Üsküdar Üniversitesi Young Brains Academy, ARGEYEP, and Financial Affairs, will be submitted to the Ministry of Interior. These projects, to be implemented with the Ministry's support and approval, aim to make significant contributions to the widespread adoption of social innovation in the Black Sea region and across Turkey.
Investing in the future with Social Innovation Model projects…
The meeting held by KASTOB at Üsküdar Üniversitesi once again demonstrated the commitment and vision of civil society organizations regarding social innovation.
With the projects to be submitted to the Ministry of Interior, the aim is to provide lasting solutions to social problems and to look to the future with more hope.