Organized by Gaziantep Islamic Science and Technology University, Gaziantep Forum 2 was held this year under the theme “Where is the Islamic World Heading? Perspectives for a Strong Future.” The forum featured significant ideas, intellectual discussions, and comprehensive evaluations on the future of the Islamic world and the role of civil society.
At the end of the forum, national and international non-governmental organizations operating in Gaziantep came together with Muslim intellectuals from different parts of the world to hold a Civil Society Session. The session was carried out with the participation of numerous NGOs under the umbrella of the Gaziantep Volunteer Organizations Platform (Gönül-Kur). Current developments on the agenda of Turkey and the world were discussed during the session.
One of the speakers, Dr. Waddah Khanfar, President of the Sharq Forum, drew attention to the role of youth in the new world order. Stating that he has been involved in projects in more than 60 countries, Dr. Khanfar said, “Young people should not only be the subjects of ongoing efforts but also the actors shaping the future. Opening doors for them and contributing to their productivity is the foundation of a strong Islamic world.”
Turgay Aldemir, President of the Bülbülzade Foundation, attended the session on behalf of his foundation. Emphasizing the importance of addressing the forum’s theme through civil society organizations, Aldemir said, “The world is undergoing major changes in a short period. Civil society organizations must adapt to this change, renew themselves, and create new and qualified areas of work.”
President Aldemir also stressed the need to move away from a constantly problem-oriented perspective and instead focus on capacity-building and future-shaping initiatives in the new global order.
