Young ideas nourished by the deep roots of the Black Sea came together at the “Giresun Youth Meetings” organized at Üsküdar Üniversitesi. Cultural heritage blended with the innovations of the digital age and the energy of youth echoed like a melody. Dr. Lecturer Nebiye Yaşar, Director of the Young Brains Academy, emphasized the importance of equipping young people with scientific and cultural knowledge, stating; “Inspired by our roots, we are preparing our youth for the innovations of the digital world and the scientific world.”
The program took place at Üsküdar Üniversitesi Central Campus Nermin Tarhan Conference Hall.
The program was attended by Nevzat Duyar, President of the Confederation of Black Sea Civil Society Organizations (KASTOB); İzzet Mermer, President of the Youth Association; Halil Kütük, Founding President of the Giresun Youth Association; Digitalism Author Said Ercan; Businessman Kemal Tokmak, President of the Giresun Residents and Bureaucrats Association, and its board members; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sebahattin Destek, President of the Giresun Doctors and Healthcare Professionals Association, and its board members; Investigative Journalist-Documentary Producer İsmail Kahraman; Ahmet Yılmaz, President of the Tokat Associations Confederation; Giresun business people, academics, KASTOB Board Members; Selçuk Uysaler, Secretary General of Üsküdar Üniversitesi; Sadık Paksoy, Manager of the Health, Culture and Sports Department; and Assistant Manager Selman Utku, along with university students.
Dr. Nebiye Yaşar: “We are carrying a deep-rooted culture into the future with science and solidarity”
Dr. Lecturer Nebiye Yaşar, Advisor of Üsküdar Üniversitesi Project Development and Youth Club and Director of the Young Brains Academy, drew attention to the importance of equipping young people with scientific and cultural knowledge. Yaşar stated, “Inspired by our roots, we are preparing our youth for the innovations of the digital world and the scientific world.” She added, “This meeting is not just an event; it is a beginning for young people to move forward with stronger steps into the future. We are not just coming together here; we are also carrying a deep-rooted culture into the future with science and solidarity.”
Addressing the youth, Yaşar said; “Each of you is the author of your own story. These events are here to empower your stories and make you more equipped individuals.”
İzzet Mermer: “Own your dreams and believe in yourselves”
The Black Sea Wind Program, presented by Aytaç Öksüz, continued with the welcoming speech of İzzet Mermer, President of the Giresun Youth Association.
Mermer stated; “The youth of Giresun are not only the hope of our homeland but also of the future. Own your dreams and believe in yourselves.”
Mermer also drew attention to the importance of cultural heritage, saying, “We all know that it is not possible to walk into the future without knowing our roots. The purpose of these meetings is to connect the past with the future and ensure that our youth are prepared for life as strong individuals,” emphasizing the importance of the continuity of these events.
Halil Kütük: “Young people acting in unity will be the leaders of the future”
Halil Kütük, Founding President of the Giresun Youth Association, touched upon the spirit of solidarity among young people. Kütük stated that youth is a power molded by idealism; “Such events, which blend the strong culture of Giresun and the Black Sea with the innovations of the digital age, are a great source of pride for us. Young people acting in unity will be the leaders of the future. What makes us who we are is our ability to produce together. We trust our youth.”
Said Ercan: “Be individuals who not only consume but also produce”
Digitalism Author Said Ercan delivered a presentation titled “Being a Digital Youth.” Ercan spoke about the transformative power of technology, the individual's position in the digital world, and the importance of taking responsibility in this era. Emphasizing that digitalization is not just a tool but also an area of responsibility, Ercan said, “Young people, be individuals who not only consume but also produce in the digital world.”
A cultural journey with folk songs…
The event turned into a journey to the unique nature and culture of the Black Sea with Giresun folk songs performed by Savaş Karaman, President of Grup Türkiyem. Melodies echoing with longing for home connected the participants with an emotional bond. The wind of the Black Sea, blended with the innovative spirit of youth, became a bridge extending from culture and the past to the future.
The cultural riches of the Black Sea are a source of inspiration for youth
At the event, Nevzat Duyar, President of the Confederation of Black Sea Civil Society Organizations (KASTOB), addressed the importance of social projects for young people, while Sadık Paksoy, SKS Manager Responsible for Clubs, and International Gastronomy Expert Nurettin Bezcioğlu emphasized the effects of cultural and youth projects in reaching large audiences.
Additionally, Mahmut Ekşi, Chairman of the KASTOB High Advisory Board, and İshak Koçoğlu, who participated in the program, drew attention to the fact that the cultural riches of the Black Sea are a source of inspiration for young people.
