The Abdullah Gül University continues to work towards Sustainability Goals; this is also translates into the partnerships that AGU engages in over time. You can read here about some of the agreements our University has signed over time:
- The Kayseri Chamber of Commerce & The Kayseri Chamber of Industry
- USAIV (University-Industry Research Cooperation Foundation)
- AGUF
- TEMA
- Race to Zero
- UN Academic Impact
- SDG Universities
- Global Solutions Initiatives
- SDSN
- SDG Student Hub
- SDG Accord
- SALTO-Youth (ISYEC)
- SDG Academy
- Connect for Creativity
- Anatolian Universities Union
- Anatolian Tigresses
- Women Leadership Network
- KIGDER
- Erciyes Teknopark
- Magna Charta Universitatum
- ICMA
- Architectural Design for Pluralist Society
- Career Counselling Program
- Higher Education Sustainability Initiative(HESI)
- SWE Society Of Women Engineers
- Qn University Alliance
The Kayseri Chamber of Commerce & The Kayseri Chamber of Industry
AGU aims to develop its cooperation in every field. At this point, AGU cooperates with the Kayseri Chamber of Industry and the Kayseri Chamber of Commerce. These chambers which cooperates as non-governmental organizations are among the institutions AGU collaborates as part of social responsibility.
Through the cooperation of these chambers, the Model Factory was established. AGU, the Kayseri Chamber of Industry, the Kayseri Chamber of Commerce, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) established the Model Factory on the Sümer campus. Model Factory provides mentoring, financial support, and necessary training such as optimization of productivity, energy efficiency, and waste management to SMEs.
In addition, through another collaboration with the Kayseri Chamber of Commerce, the Kayseri Chamber of Industry, AGUF, and AGU, AGU Technopark was established in 2021. Intending to be sustainable and non-profit technopark, it is the only technopark established through the Technology Transfer Office in Türkiye. By the virtue of AGU Technopark, it is intended to continue activities by producing knowledge, transforming knowledge into value, and contributing to science and society at an advanced level.
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USAIV (University-Industry Research Cooperation Foundation)
USAIV (University-Industry Research Cooperation Foundation) is a foundation established in cooperation with AGU, Erciyes University, Kayseri University and Kayseri Chamber of Industry in Kayseri. The objectives of USAIV are as follows:
• To ensure university-industry cooperation in order to conduct research for industry in accordance with today's technology.
• To support researches carried out in universities according to the latest technology for industry. In this context, to establish laboratories, workshops, to provide tools and equipment and to inform industrialists about the latest developments.
• To provide successful disadvantaged students with the opportunity to do internship, specialisation and doctorate at home and abroad,
• To open and operate student dormitories, libraries, canteens, canteens, workplaces in places deemed appropriate by the Board of Directors of the Foundation,
• To provide opportunities to train personnel and scientists in technical fields related to today's technology. In this direction, to organise seminars, conferences and symposiums in order to ensure that university students and industrialists benefit from international developments in science branches.
• To establish companies, to become partners in existing enterprises and to operate them.
• To promote teaching, training and research, to publish all kinds of publications such as magazines, bulletins, newspapers and books related to the technological developments of the day, to organise competitions, to give awards.
AGUF
As AGU aspires to its aim of being a research and teaching University of international standards, an institution playing a key role in its development is the AGU Foundation. Founded on 13 July 2011, the work of the AGU Foundation is dedicated to the overall goal of supporting the university with the following three specific aims:
a) To provide financial incentives to successful students, students with financial needs and alumni looking for further study and career opportunities.
b) To provide economic cultural and social support to the University’s employees.
c) To fund developments in the university’s physical and technical technological facilities, and underwrite improvement in education, research and opportunities for their application.
AGUF has dedicated scholarship targets to admit students who fall into the bottom household income group with providing significant supports in the admission to the AGU. You can find detailed information about AGUF from the link. https://www.aguv.org.tr/
TEMA
The Turkish Foundation for Combating Erosion, Afforestation and Protection of Natural Habitats, or TEMA for short, is an environmentalist foundation founded in Istanbul on 11 September 1992.
Fight against erosion, afforestation and protection of natural assets are among its main objectives. It is also known as Turkey's most widespread non-governmental organisation in the field of nature conservation.
In this regard, Abdullah Gül University Young TEMA Club continues its activities in an active manner.
Race to Zero
Abdullah Gül University (AGU) has joined the "Race to Zero" campaign, which is carried out jointly by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the Second Nature organisation and the Alliance for Sustainability Leadership in Education (EAUC), an association aiming at sustainability in education.
The campaign, which is a global initiative for zero carbon emissions and is open to universities from all over the world, includes 832 institutions from different regions of the world.
The campaign, in which universities are expected to create strategies and plans for "zero carbon emission" targets in the future, aims for a healthy and zero carbon emission recovery that prevents threats to the future, provides decent job opportunities and paves the way for inclusive sustainable development.
UN Academic Impact
Abdullah Gül University (AGU) became a member of the UN Academic Impact initiative, launched by the United Nations to support the realization of its goals, increase awareness about the protection of human rights, advance educational opportunity for all, and support the realization of the sustainable development goals.
In a short period after the application of the Youth Factory, which carries out youth work on behalf of the University and is one of the first of its kind in Turkey, Abdullah Gül University was accepted for membership in the UN Academic Impact initiative, which is participated in by the renowned universities around the world.
AGU's membership in the initiative happened thanks to its activities for the sustainable development goals and contribution to the fulfillment of the UN Charter.
The initiative aims to align institutions of higher education so that they can support and advance the United Nations goals through research and education, thus brings together these institutions and the UN together for a shared culture of intellectual social responsibility.
Participating institutions are expected to undertake at least one activity supporting one of the initiative principles per year.
These principles include, but are not limited to, addressing issues of poverty through education, building capacity in higher education systems across the world, and educational opportunity for all people regardless of gender, race, religion, or ethnicity.
SDG UNIVERSITIES
The first steps towards founding Abdullah Gul University were taken, by the Kayseri City Council and other city notables, in 2007. The aim was to raise the profile of education in Kayseri in line with the city’s own vision of its development.
The University was named after the 11th president of the Turkish Republic, Abdullah Gül, who has accepted this honor, for the university is being dedicated to the quest to become a distinguished high-quality university in Turkey and be able to compete with international institutions. The university was formally founded on 21 July 2010 as Turkey’s first foundation supported State University.
AGU admitted its first students in 2013 - 2014 Academic Year. Education is being conducted at the site of Turkey’s first industrial complex, which is being transformed from a place of great historical significance to be a notable place of education. In the future, The University will be serving in a second campus known as Mimar Sinan.
As AGU aspires to its aim of being a research and teaching University of international standards, an institution playing a key role in its development will be the AGU Foundation.
Founded on 13 July 2011, the work of the AGU Foundation is dedicated to the overall goal of supporting the university with the following three specific aims:
- To provide financial incentives to successful students
- To provide economic cultural and social support to the University’s employees
- To fund developments in the university’s physical and technical technological facilities, and underwrite improvement in education, research and opportunities for their application.
Global Solutions Initiative
The Abdullah Gül University signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Global Solutions Initiative (GSI).
“The Global Solutions Initiative (GSI) is a global collaborative enterprise to propose policy responses to major global problems, addressed by the G20, the G7 and other global governance fora. The policy recommendations and strategic visions are generated through a disciplined research program by leading research organizations, elaborated in policy dialogues between researchers, policymakers, business leaders and civil society representatives.”
AGU and GSI partnered formally in the following fields:
1. AGU Faculty members’ participation in GSI group research, discussions, networks, workshops, research and exchange programs.
2. AGU members’ active participation in the GSI Annual Summit.
3. AGU students’ involvement in the Young Global Changers program.
4. AGU members’ involvement in the co-creation of training courses or camps for participants in the Young Global Changers program.
5. Joint commitment and efforts towards aligning the business sector with societal needs in order to enable a symbiotic economic and social progress. Recoupling economic and social prosperity.
The agreement also leaves the door open to further potential collaboration projects both AGU and GSI would like to pursue.
“The Global Solutions Initiative (GSI) provides recommendations and visions for the G20 on global challenges. The visions rest on recoupling economic prosperity with social prosperity. To generate policy proposals, the GSI brings together major think tanks and other research organizations in its Council for Global Problem-Solving.”
On a yearly basis, the GSI organizes Global Solutions Summits, the objective being to provide policy recommendations for the G20. AGU aims to participate and contribute to these Summits addressing major Global Issues.
In 2019, AGU joined several GSI summits and meetings and submitted a policy paper (called "Facing the Global Reskilling Challenge: Strategies to Reconnect the Higher Education and Employment Sectors") to the G20 to be discussed during the Saudi Arabia G20 Summit 2020.
SDSN
The Abdullah Gül University is an official partner of the Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) Global. In that capacity, AGU is committed to supporting the implementation of the SDGs at local, national, and global scales. The University's organic and additional research is put at the disposal of the network in order to refine the gathering of data related to SDGs and craft effective policies, actions and best practices.
Spanning six continents, the SDSN Networks Program currently draws upon the knowledge and educational capacity of 800 member institutions. They work together to direct a multidimensional global network that attempts to address some of the world’s most pressing problems.
Sustainable Development Goals
- Climate Change
- Financing Sustainable Development
- National / Regional Networks
- SDG Academy
- Thematic Networks
- Solution Initiatives
"SDSN Youth’s mission is to empower youth globally, to create sustainable solutions. Our initiatives follow a three-step theory of change - education (awareness), collaboration (communities, connections), and supporting innovation; tackling key domain areas such as schools, university campuses, cities, and entrepreneurship."
Goals
Covering six continents, the SDSN Networks program has now gathered the knowledge and training capacity of 800 member institutions into a network. The SDSN global network aims to take the world's top problems by hand and work together. The Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) Executive Committee has successfully approved Abdullah Gül University's membership in this network and a SDSN-Youth AGU Student Hub was established.
SDG Student Hub
SDSN Youth
In 2015, the SDSN launched its official youth initiative (SDSN Youth) to empower youth globally to create sustainable development solutions. SDSN Youth educates young people about the Sustainable Development Goals and provides opportunities for them to pioneer innovative solutions to address the world's biggest challenges.
What Is the SDG Students Program?
The SDG Students Program is an initiative of SDSN Youth that aims to engage students in higher education in the global effort to achieve the 2030 Agenda and the SDGs, as well as empower them with the knowledge, skills, and pathways to action to be effective agents of change today.
VISION: A global network of student hubs, where students can come together to learn about, engage with, and take action on the SDGs.
MISSION: To transform the world’s universities into hubs of learning and engagement for the SDGs, as well as drivers of new solutions to local problems.
OBJECTIVES:
- Transforming Universities: Ensuring universities become hubs of learning and engagement for the SDGs.
- Transforming Communities: Ensuring students can become drivers for new solutions to local problems.
SDG Coordinators (formerly, Campus Coordinators), who are committed to work to promote the SDGs on their campus, are selected by SDG Students Program Global Team which responsible for providing training, online hub management, global engagement coordination, and program design & support for SDG Coordinators.
SDG Coordinators support SDSN Youth’s mandate by working in SDSN member universities around the world to mobilize students around the SDGs. With the SDG Student Program, SDG Coordinators work with local SDSN networks to ensure that all students in their university/campus are aware of the SDGs, understand their importance to the wider community and have opportunities to take action towards their implementation during their studies, and after they graduate.
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SDG Student Hub at AGU
The SDG student hub at the Abdullah Gül University was established in 2018. Since then, they have been focused on sensitizing students and youth on SDG issues and organizing events to make them into drivers for change.
SDG Accord
“The purpose of the SDG Accord is twofold:
First, it is to inspire, celebrate and advance the critical role that education has in delivering the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the value it brings to governments, business and wider society.
Secondly, the Accord is a commitment learning institutions are making to one another to do more to deliver the goals, to annually report on each signatory's progress, and to do so in ways which share the learning with each other both nationally and internationally. An objective is that sector SDG reporting metrics will be presented at the annual UN High-Level Political Forum. ”
Abdullah Gül University (AGU) has signed the SDG Accord in 2021 (see AGU listed among the Reporting Signatories in the 2020 SDG Accord Report here) in order to highlight the work that has been done in our institution to integrate the UN SDGs in all aspects of our teaching and university life, as well as to commit to continuing further interweaving SDG objectives into our activities at all levels. AGU also participated in SDG Accord data collection campaigns to analyse and evaluate Universities' commitment to UN SDGs.
In the Annual SDG Accord Report 2020, the Abdullah Gül University is recognized as a Best Practice, especially with regards to SDG 13 - Climate Action, for its implementation of the Global Challenges courses in the core curriculum (see page 11 of the report here):
ISYEC - International Symposium on Youth Employment Challenges
The International Symposium on Youth Employability Challenges (ISYEC) hosted by AGU and organised in collaboration with the European Commission and multiple (inter)national institutions. This international platform for young people and professionals, policy-makers, private sector representatives, social entrepreneurs, and academicians is the unmissable event to discuss challenges facing youth employment, to share good practices and expertise, and to brainstorm suggestions and solutions to tackle this issue. The aim of this symposium is to outline the dimensions of the issue, collect and analyze data related to SDG #8, the motives for intervention, and the possibilities of improving youth employment through cross- sectorial cooperation. The main conferences took place in 2014 – 2016 – 2018 but complementary-meetings took place and publications were released in 2019.
For the latest resulting ISYEC Report 2018, please go to 
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History of ISYEC
As a result of the rapidly growing rate of unemployment--due to multiple factors and global economic, cultural, demographic, and financial challenges--and in the effort to address this urgent issue, Abdullah Gül University (AGU) started to organize an international symposium for youth employment, and invited experts from formal, non-formal, and private sectors. The first International Symposium on Youth Employment Challenges (ISYEC’14), which was held in 2014, became an international platform for young people and employees, private sector representatives, social entrepreneurs, and academicians to discuss challenges facing youth employment, to share good practices and expertise, and to brainstorm suggestions and solutions to tackle this issue. ISYEC’14 was an excellent opportunity for academic research, cooperation, and networking. It brought together the most influential experts in the field and incited changes in youth employability.
The second ISYEC - ISYEC’16-, which took place at AGU in Kayseri, Turkey on 18-20 May 2016, was another successful event that paved the way for creating and consolidating partnerships and new initiatives deemed necessary to address current concerns and to support the development of youth employability. The cross-sectoral approach was the main focus of the event on the grounds that it plays a principal role in bridging the gap between formal, non-formal and private sectors. The propitious three day international symposium included experts and guests from all corners of Europe, the USA, and Mediterranean countries. At this event, these various professionals with a diversity of backgrounds shared their insights, best practices and case studies. The important role played by AGU was emphasized, presenting it as an emerging hub for the cross-sectoral approach in youth employment.
After the successful second edition in 2016 that gathered many international experts from the public, educational and private sectors, the third ISYEC - ISYEC’18- took place at AGU in Kayseri, Turkey on 27 February- 1 March 2018 at AGU facilities, Kayseri, Turkey. The symposium was organised with the intention to provide an opportunity for sharing knowledge and information about new trends, issues and initiatives. The aim was to support the development of skills and strategies which help lower or remove barriers that are currently limiting certain groups from effectively participating in the labour market--such as women, people with disabilities and youth. It also became a platform to strengthen partnerships at all levels among businesses, labour, government, education, and communities with the aim of supporting strategic and consistent investments and approaches.
Throughout ISYEC’18, 191 key private sector representatives, experts, youth workers, and social entrepreneurs came together to analyse variables affecting the labour market; discuss current trends, issues and strategies to support the development of youth and decrease youth unemployment.
Abdullah Gül University designed, planned, and co-organized this international symposium in close collaboration with the Turkish National Agency (on behalf of the Ministry of EU of Turkey), French National Agency, Italian National Agency, Spanish National Agency, SALTO-YOUTH Euromed and Good Practices Resource Centre (on behalf of the European Commission) as well as SALTO-YOUTH Participation.
SDG ACADEMY
Already a member of the Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN), the global initiative of the United Nations, Abdullah Gül University (AGU) has also joined the SDG Academy (Sustainable Development Goals Academy), the education leg of the initiative.
The SDG Academy is an online education platform that creates and delivers Massive Online Open Courses (MOOC) on interdisciplinary issues concerning 17 sustainable development goals determined by the United Nations. Course contents are being prepared by academics, practitioners and experts working on sustainable development.
With the application process led by Industrial Engineering Chair Prof. İbrahim Akgün and Architecture Chair Assoc. Prof. Burak Asiliskender, AGU presented its work towards the sustainable development goals and joined the SDG Academy.
AGU, particularly the Industrial Engineering and Architecture departments, will access all course materials of the SDG Academy, use them in classes and create new contents with the SDG Academy's team of experts.
ANATOLIAN UNIVERSITIES UNION
It was established with the meeting held on 25.05.2021 under the hosting and leadership of Sivas Science and Technology University in order to cooperate on many issues, especially for the purposes of high-level cooperation in research, education and training and information sharing activities, to create original models and mechanisms for university-industry cooperation, to ensure the reflection and sustainability of quality standards and processes in the institutional structure of the member universities of the Union, and to share experiences and capacities.
The establishment meeting of the Union was attended by Abdullah Gül University Rector Prof. Dr. Cengiz YILMAZ, Amasya University Rector Prof. Dr. Süleyman ELMACI, Erciyes University Rector V. Prof. Dr. Recai KILIÇ, Erzincan Binali Yıldırım University Rector Prof. Dr. Akın LEVENT, Kayseri University Rector Prof. Dr. Kurtuluş KARAMUSTAFA, Sivas Science and Technology University Rector Prof. Prof. Dr. Mehmet KUL, Rector of Sivas Cumhuriyet University Prof. Dr. Alim YILDIZ, Rector of Tokat Gaziosmanpaşa University Prof. Dr. Bünyamin ŞAHİN and Rector of Yozgat Bozok University Prof. Dr. Ahmet KARADAĞ attended the meeting on 25.05.2021 and the President of the Council of Higher Education Prof. Dr. Yekta SARAÇ also attended the meeting online.
The number of members, which was 9 at the establishment of the Union, increased to 12 with the participation of Nevşehir Hacı Bektaş Veli University, İnönü University and Kırşehir Ahi Evran University.
ANATOLIAN TIGRESSES MENTORSHIP PROGRAMME
As part of APCO’s 30th anniversary celebrations, and to demonstrate a commitment to the empowerment of young future leaders in Turkey, APCO’s Istanbul team created a mentorship program for young women from the Anatolian region to offer them opportunities and inspiration to further their career prospects.
The partnership between Abdullah Gul University (AGU) and APCO, initiated in 2014 and still ongoing, has resulted in the organization of several training and networking sessions where AGU students met with prominent CEOs, who provided valuable insights on their career trajectories and facilitated interactive workshops focusing on bolstering students’ ambitions and employability.
All participants ahve the opportunity to apply to APCO’s own mentorship program.
APCO’s Istanbul office runs and facilitates the program for the Tigresses mentorees, who will be expected to integrate, grow and excel with the rest of APCO’s team in Turkey.
Partnership Results At A Glance:
- Successfully launched the Tigresses mentorees program
- Provided guidance, mentorship and inspiration to a great share of AGU female students
- Filled a pipeline of future female leaders in Turkey
- Created a collaborative partnership with AGU University
For more details click here.
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WOMEN LEADERSHIP NETWORK
AGU is part of the Women Leadership Network led by the American Chamber of Commerce and therefore hosted many events to bring together AGU students with succesfull women entrepreneurs and CEOs. This interaction leads to mentoring opportunities.
Career Talks with Future Leaders
AGU Youth Factory organizes "Career Talks with Future Leaders". It aims to bring together students and leading figures in culture, art, sports, education and business. It takes place in the Conference Hall of Rectorate with the participation of students from various universities.
Female executives of American Business Forum in Turkey (AmCham) meet with the young people at Abdullah Gül University. Within the "Women Leadership Network" project of AmCham, Işıl Hasdemir, Vice General Manager of Cisco and Özge Ayöz, Board Member and Statutory Advisor of P&G (Procter and Gamble) shared their career experiences with the young participants.
Ms. Gülfem Toygar, CEO of Gittigidiyor.com and Ebay Turkey joined the second of the seminars as the speaker. Sharing her career experiences with the students in the seminar, Ms. Toygar advised them to engage with jobs that excite them. Students from different universities besides AGU joined the talk.
Mine Öztürk, General Manager at Baxter International, a leading firm active in healthcare sector, and member of the Board of Directors at AmCham Turkey (American Business Forum in Turkey) met with students at Abdullah Gül University (AGU).
KIGDER
The Abdullah Gül University (AGU) and the Association for Developing Women Collaboration (KİGDER) signed a Mentorship (Career Consultancy) Cooperation Protocol. The protocol states that KİGDER members will be career consultants for AGU students.
The cooperation protocol, made thanks to the initiatives of the AGU Dean of Students Office and KİGDER, was signed at the Rectorate Senate Hall.
Rector Prof. İhsan Sabuncuoğlu and Association President Dr. Sema Karaoğlu signed the protocol on behalf of Abdullah Gül University and the Association for Developing Women Collaboration, respectively.
Speaking at the meeting, Rector İhsan Sabuncuoğlu said that KİGDER is a very important civil society organization, performs very important deeds and expressed his gladness to be cooperating with such a civil society organization.
Within the protocol signed, Prof. Sabuncuoğlu stated that women managers specified by KİGDER will offer career consultancy to AGU students and help with their integration into the business world.
KİGDER President Dr. Sema Karaoğlu said their purpose is to improve women legally, socially and politically first in Kayseri and then in all country and help them produce added value.
Pointing that women get theoretical knowledge but need role models, Karaoğlu added: "In this regard, we have to get universities' support. We also know that Abdullah Gül University attaches importance to cooperation. We are proud to get the university's support and be career consultants for AGU students as role models."
Karaoğlu also added that they do not discriminate based on gender, but it is extra important for them to offer career consultancy to female students and they will offer the same service to male ones as well.
KİGDER members Feride Bilgin, Funda Kızıklı, Şafak Çivici, Eda Velibaşoğlu and AGU Vice Rectors, Deans, Department Heads, Faculty Members attended the signing ceremony.
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ERCIYES TEKNOPARK
AGU is a partner (with shares) of the Erciyes Teknopark Sera project (Incubation Center), which provides support to spin-offs, start-ups working in the field of Smart Life, Smart Urbanism, Mobile Applications, Robotics, Wireless Communication, Wearable Technologies, Mobile Health, Intelligent Education, Renewable and Intelligent Energy Systems, Information Technologies and Software, Food Technologies are carried out in the fields. Through this partnership, AGU can assist the start-up of sustainable businesses.
MAGNA CHARTA UNIVERSITATUM
In September 2018, the Abdullah Gül University (AGU) was approved to become an official signatory of the Magna Charta Universitatum, the “Great Charter of Universities” which lays down the “fundamental values and principles of the university” and “[encourages] strong bonds among European Universities”.
“It contains principles of academic freedom and institutional autonomy as a guideline for good governance and self-understanding of universities in the future.”
Abdullah Gül University Rector, Prof. Dr. İhsan Sabuncuoğlu officially signed the Charter on behalf of the University, during the Ceremony in celebration of the 30th Anniversary of the Signature of the Magna Charta Universitatum, held in Salamanca, Spain.
The Magna Charta Universitatum can be read in full in 49 languages on the official Magna Charta Observatory website HERE.
Higher Education Sustainability Initiative(HESI)
The Higher Education Sustainability Initiative (HESI) is a non-profit organization and online platform that aims to improve sustainability literacy for all. AGU has become a member of HESI in line with its sustainability goals.
SWE Society Of Women Engineers
Abdullah Gül University is a member of “Society of Women Engineers (SWE)” which gives women engineers a unique place and voice within the engineering industry.
Abdullah Gül University is one of the ten founding universities of the Qn University Alliance, which embraces a diversity-based approach around a shared vision. The Qn University Alliance adopts a '360-degree Quality, Query-driven, and Quintuple Helix (5Helix)' approach, promoting an inclusive governance and collaboration model. This model encourages integration with local and regional ecosystems and focuses on developing sustainable, long-term partnerships.