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Bosphorus Diplomacy Forum 2026 convenes youth from 30 nations in Istanbul
The Bosphorus Diplomacy Forum 2026 (BDF'26), organized by the Young Diplomacy Association, has commenced at Democracy and Freedom Island under the theme ‘Humanitarian Diplomacy in Times of Crisis’. The event brings together over 400 participants, including students from 30 different nations and 107 schools across 33 Turkish cities, to discuss global issues such as foreign policy, economy, energy, and human rights.
During the opening panel, ‘Bringing Different Geographies Together: Educational Diplomacy’, Necmeddin Bilal Erdoğan, Board Chairman of the İlim Yayma Foundation, emphasized the importance of educational and science diplomacy. He noted that Turkey currently hosts approximately 350,000 international students and suggested that these students serve as ‘voluntary ambassadors’ for the country. Erdoğan expressed the potential for Turkey to reach 1 million international students, citing the nation's strong university infrastructure and cultural appeal.
Istanbul Governor Davut Gül attended the forum's gala dinner, praising the youth for their role in advocating for peace and tolerance. The forum's program includes seven panels, six special sessions, and six simulation committees covering regional crises in areas such as Palestine, Sudan, Lebanon, Syria, Myanmar, and the Eastern Mediterranean. Upcoming sessions are scheduled to feature Turkish Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Alparslan Bayraktar and Minister of National Education Yusuf Tekin.
Entities
Bosphorus Diplomacy Forum · Davut Gül · Istanbul · Necmeddin Bilal Erdoğan · Selman Bilir · Young Diplomacy Association
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.
- [● 2 SOURCES] The theme for the BDF’26 forum is ‘humanitarian diplomacy in an age of crises’. www.haberport.com · www.aksiyon.com.tr
- [● 2 SOURCES] Participants include representatives from 150 schools across 33 cities in Turkey. www.haberport.com · www.aksiyon.com.tr
- [● 2 SOURCES] The event features students from 30 different nationalities. www.haberport.com · www.aksiyon.com.tr
- [● 2 SOURCES] The forum will include 7 panels, 6 special sessions, and 6 simulation committees. www.haberport.com · www.aksiyon.com.tr
- [● 3 SOURCES] Istanbul Governor Davut Gül expressed hope that the forum becomes a traditional event followed by the world. www.haberport.com · www.aksiyon.com.tr