20/11/2025
The For Youth, By Youth International Conference took place at Radisson Blu Pera in Istanbul from 16–19 November, in collaboration with Sabancı University Civic Involvement Projects, the Talloires Network of Engaged Universities, Next Generation Alumni Leaders, paNhari, and the Mastercard Foundation.
The Conference brought together young leaders from more than 25 countries to explore conscious leadership, global solidarity, inclusive education, and the power of youth-led action. Hosted in the heart of Istanbul, the Conference created a shared space for youth leaders to reflect, imagine, and co-create solutions around justice, peace, inclusive AI, climate action, and the future of higher education. Over two days, participants engaged in roundtables, workshops, storytelling sessions, and the creation of the first youth-written Talloires Network Declaration.
Sabancı University Civic Involvement Projects’ student team leaders also played an active role in the conference, facilitating interactive activities that strengthened cultural exchange among participants, encouraged reflection on self-care and community care, and fostered a deeper sense of global solidarity.
The gathering culminated in a closing ceremony at Sabancı University’s Karaköy Campus, celebrating Sabancı University’s 25th anniversary and the Talloires Network’s 20 years of civic engagement and global collaboration.
At the closing ceremony, Sabancı University Vice President Cem Güneri and Civic Involvement Projects Manager Zeynep Bahar emphasized that youth-led movements and civic engagement lie at the heart of Sabancı University’s values. In their remarks, they highlighted that this conference—and the For Youth, By Youth movement as a whole—stands as a powerful example of how these values come to life through collective action, leadership, and solidarity.
After their remarks, Lorlene Hoyt, Executive Director of the Talloires Network of Engaged Universities, joined online to deliver a closing speech, underscoring the critical importance of youth-led movements in shaping more just, inclusive, and engaged universities and communities.
We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all stakeholders involved in the event. The collaborations between the Talloires Network of Engaged Universities and Sabancı University Civic Involvement Projects, aimed at fostering and expanding youth engagement, will continue to grow and develop.
