Chairman of the Grand National Assembly of Turkiye, Prof. Dr. Numan Kurtulmuş Assessed the Global System at Istanbul Ticaret University
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At the 2024-2025 Spring Conference organized by Istanbul Ticaret University, Prof. Dr. Numan Kurtulmuş, Chairman of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM), delivered a speech titled “The Search for a Global System and Turkiye.” Prof. Dr. Kurtulmuş, speaking at a conference at the university where he previously served as an academic, stated that the global system is facing fragility and emphasized that Turkey will be one of the central countries in the new world order.
Istanbul Ticaret University held its 2024-2025 Spring Conference under the title “The Search for a Global System and Turkiye” at its Sütlüce Campus. The conference was delivered by the Chairman of the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye (TBMM), Prof. Dr. Numan Kurtulmuş. Among the attendees were Istanbul Governor Davut Gül; Istanbul Chamber of Commerce (ITO) Assembly Chairman Erhan Erken; Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Istanbul Commerce University, İsrafil Kuralay; members of the Board of Trustees; Rector Prof. Dr. Dr. Necip Şimşek; Rector of Haliç University Prof. Dr. Nihat İnanç; Rector of Istanbul Health and Technology University Prof. Dr. Buğra Özen; Beyoğlu District Governor Abdullah Atakan Atasoy; Vice Rectors of Istanbul Commerce University Prof. Dr. Berk Ayvaz, Prof. Dr. Dr. Hanifi Parlar; Secretary General Erdal Cesar, as well as academic and administrative staff and students.
RECTOR PROF. DR. ŞİMŞEK: “TURKIYE IS A POWERFUL ACTOR IN THE GLOBAL SYSTEM”
In his opening speech, Rector Prof. Dr. Necip Şimşek pointed out that the global transformation process has reshaped countries’ political and economic strategies, stating, “In this process, countries with a strong historical background and strategic location, such as Turkiye, have the potential to be effective actors in the changing world order. As the university, we also bear the responsibility of analyzing the dynamics of the global system and correctly understanding Turkiye’s role in this system with the contributions of our scientists and academic expertise.”
İSRAFİL KURALAY: “VIRTUOUS KNOWLEDGE, VIRTUOUS GOVERNANCE, VIRTUOUS PEOPLE”
In his speech, Board of Trustees Chairman Dr. İsrafil Kuralay also highlighted Turkey’s role in the search for a global system, stating that they were following the efforts of Grand National Assembly President Prof. Dr. Numan Kurtulmuş in this area with appreciation. In his speech, Dr. Kuralay emphasized that universities are places of virtuous knowledge, stating, “When virtuous knowledge, virtuous governance, and virtuous people come together, we can build a more just, peaceful, and harmonious world.”
TURKIYE INFLUENCES GLOBAL BALANCE WITH ITS CULTURAL AND CIVILIZATIONAL HERITAGE
Dr. Kuralay stated that Turkey’s deep-rooted culture and civilization embody this virtuous approach, emphasizing that in today’s world, good and virtuous people need to work harder. Dr. Kuralay said, “We believe that as representatives of a compassionate civilization, we have much to say to the world. As our President often says, it is crucial that the good people of the world make greater efforts in the current state of the world. As Istanbul Ticaret University, we will continue to contribute to this awareness through our academic work.”
A MEMORY FROM PROF. DR. NUMAN KURTULMUŞ’ UNIVERSITY YEARS
In his speech, Grand National Assembly President Prof. Dr. Kurtulmuş recalled that he had served as an academic at Istanbul Commerce University for many years and expressed his great satisfaction at seeing the university reach its current position. Prof. Dr. Kurtulmuş emphasized that the years he spent at Istanbul Ticaret University were valuable to him and thanked all the academics who contributed to the university’s development.
THE CURRENT GLOBAL SYSTEM CANNOT SUSTAIN EIGHT BILLION PEOPLE
Assessing the transformations in the global system and Turkey’s role in this process, Prof. Dr. Kurtulmuş stated that the current structure of the international system has become unsustainable, adding, “It is not possible to solve today’s problems with yesterday’s solutions. The global system needs to be rebuilt and new solutions that serve the common interests of humanity need to be developed.”
TÜRKİYE WILL PLAY AN ACTIVE ROLE IN THE RECONSTRUCTION OF THE GLOBAL SYSTEM
In his speech, Prof. Dr. Kurtulmuş stated that the world is undergoing a major transformation and emphasized that the global system is facing significant vulnerabilities. “The world is grappling with major challenges ranging from mass migration movements and environmental crises to wars and income inequality. The current global system can no longer sustain 8 billion people. Countries with a strong historical background, strategic location, and cultural heritage, such as Turkiye, should play an active role in building this new system.” Noting that Turkey’s influence in the international arena is growing day by day, Prof. Dr. Kurtulmuş said that during his recent contacts in Japan, Turkey’s reputation and role in global issues were clearly evident.
CULTURAL DIPLOMACY AND STRATEGIC KNOWLEDGE WILL COME TO THE FORE IN THE NEW ERA
Stating that the future will evolve into a multipolar world order and that Turkiye will be one of the central countries in this process, Prof. Dr. Kurtulmuş said, “Countries with cultural diplomacy and strategic knowledge production capabilities will now have a say in the world, not just systems based on economic and military power. Turkiye, with its historical mission and strong statecraft, will be among the countries contributing to the establishment of a new global system during this process.” Emphasizing that universities, think tanks, and political institutions must be prepared for this transformation, Prof. Dr. Kurtulmuş noted that Turkiye will play a more active role in the international system in the coming period. Prof. Dr. Kurtulmuş chatted with the students after the program and took photos with them.
