The Sabancı Foundation’s International Philanthropy Seminar, held annually since 2007, this year focused on encouraging youth participation in the field of philanthropy by addressing their expectations and exploring effective engagement strategies.
In her opening speech, Sabancı Foundation Chair of the Board of Trustees Güler Sabancı stated: “Today, it is known that one billion people around the world are actively engaged in volunteering, and nearly one in three young people is involved in volunteer activities. This means that approximately 600 million young individuals are contributing to solving social issues through volunteerism. Knowing that young people in our country are thinking comprehensively about kindness and altruism, and seeing a generation that is sensitive to these values, gives us hope for the future.”
The 16th edition of the International Philanthropy Seminar, organized by the Sabancı Foundation to discuss new approaches in civil society since 2007, was held on Tuesday, December 5 at the Sabancı Center. Hosted by Güler Sabancı, Chair of the Board of Trustees, the event centered around the theme “Philanthropy and Youth.” The seminar explored strategies and recommendations to promote youth engagement in philanthropy, as well as sharing the experiences of young people themselves. Key questions addressed included: “How can youth participation in philanthropy be ensured?”, “What are successful examples?”, “How can foundations incorporate a youth perspective into their work?”, and “What do young people expect from institutions?”
Bringing together representatives from civil society, the private sector, and public institutions with international experts, the seminar was co-moderated by journalist Duygu Demirdağ and Ela Serpil Evliyaoğlu, Programs Director of the Youth Organizations Forum, a collective platform of youth movements. Activist and author Nasra Ayub, who has been leading projects empowering young people on gender equality and anti-racism since the age of 15, was the keynote speaker. She shared her personal experiences and perspectives on youth engagement in philanthropy.
In the first panel titled “Effective Strategies for Youth Engagement in Philanthropy,” moderated by Duygu Demirdağ, Heather Hamilton (Director, Elevate Children Funders Group), Ayşe Kırımlı (General Manager, Community Volunteers Foundation - TOG), and Maria Cova Orejas (Board Member, Learning for Well-Being Foundation) shared good practices and insights with the audience. In the first panel titled “Effective Strategies for Youth Engagement in Philanthropy,” moderated by Duygu Demirdağ, Heather Hamilton (Director, Elevate Children Funders Group), Ayşe Kırımlı (General Manager, Community Volunteers Foundation - TOG), and Maria Cova Orejas (Board Member, Learning for Well-Being Foundation) shared good practices and insights with the audience.
The second panel, “Philanthropy Through the Lens of Youth,” moderated by Ela Serpil Evliyaoğlu, featured Aksa Ali (Board Member, Learning for Well-Being Foundation), Bahar Yavuz (Disability Rights Activist), Emre İpekyüz (Board Member, Community Volunteers Foundation), and Seren Anaçoğlu (Climate Activist), who shared their personal experiences and recommendations.
The seminar concluded with a performance by musicians Cemal Yön and Ibragim Orazov, who have gained acclaim for their public space performances in Istanbul and received significant attention on social media.
