News

BRIDGE and the Hrant Dink Foundation Organise a Workshop on Social Memory and Living Together

On 11 August 2026, the BRIDGE Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence, in cooperation with the Hrant Dink Foundation, organised the “Rights-Based Living Workshop: Social Memory and Living Together” within the framework of Özyeğin University’s IR 314 International Migration course. The workshop brought together 20 students.

Facilitated by trainers from the Hrant Dink Foundation, the workshop focused on discrimination and social memory, pluralism, multiculturalism, and living together. Through interactive activities, participants were encouraged to reflect on different experiences and perspectives, strengthen empathy, and discuss the role of justice and social transformation in fostering a culture of coexistence.

The workshop provided an opportunity to examine international migration not only through the lenses of policy and governance, but also in relation to rights, social memory, discrimination, and inclusion. As part of BRIDGE’s broader approach to connecting academic learning with civil society expertise, the event contributed to the project’s objectives of promoting diversity, inclusion, democratic values, and active student engagement.

BRIDGE at the Social Sustainability Summer Camp 2026

BRIDGE contributed to Özyeğin University’s Social Sustainability Summer Camp, held on 27–30 July 2026 and organized by the Özyeğin University Sustainability Platform. The four-day programme brought together participants from academia and the private sector to explore different dimensions of social sustainability, including organizational culture, social impact, technology, creativity, and responsible innovation.

As part of the programme, two sessions were organized within the framework of the BRIDGE Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence: “Improving Workplace Climate and Culture" by Alaz Han Canbolat and “AI, Technology and Social Impact,” led by BRIDGE Project Coordinator Prof. Deniz Sert. Together, the sessions addressed how institutions and emerging technologies shape inclusion, participation, social relations, and sustainable organizational practices.

BRIDGE’s contribution to the Summer Camp reflects the project’s broader commitment to connecting academic knowledge with practitioners and wider society, while fostering dialogue around inclusion, digital transformation, sustainability, and governance.

Those Left Behind - Living with Landmines

As part of the International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action, held on 4 April, an event organised in partnership with the Diplomacy Club addressed the landmine issue in Turkey, not merely as a security concern, but also as a human rights issue, through the lens of Nurcan Baysal’s new book, Those Left Behind. Moderated by Prof. Dr. Deniz Sert, the event featured journalist Nurcan Baysal, Duy-Der President Özlem Öztürk and landmine victim Sinem Paksoy, who drew attention to the hidden aspects of the landmine problem through their shared views and experiences. Focusing on the multi-layered challenges faced by landmine victims, this gathering aimed to make these voices more visible by addressing both individual experiences and structural inequalities.

Bridging Democracies and India’s Role in Global Governance

On December 18, 2025, the Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence BRIDGE hosted an event titled “Bridging Democracies and India’s Role in Global Governance,” moderated by Dr. Samarjit Ghosh, welcoming the Consul General of India, Mr. Mijito Vinito. Following opening remarks delivered by Prof. Dr. Evren Balta, the Consul General addressed questions on India–Türkiye relations, the role of the Indian diaspora in international political and economic relations, discussing existing diplomatic, economic, and societal linkages, as well as broader inquiries related to multilateralism and institutional cooperation.

Human Rights Day- Movie Screening

On Human Rights Day, December 10, 2025, the Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence BRIDGE hosted a screening of the film Invictus, collaboratively organized by CineOzu and OzU Diplomacy. Reflecting a powerful story of leadership, unity, and the healing of a nation, the screening was followed by a discussion on the movie regarding transformative action.