The “Young Executive School 2026 Summit Program,” organized by the Turkey Youth Foundation (TÜGVA) since 2018, was successfully concluded in Istanbul. The program provided young participants with a unique opportunity to learn from the experiences of leading figures in the business world.
Summit Gathers Prominent Figures at Zorlu PSM
The event, held at the Zorlu PSM Turkcell Platinum Stage in Istanbul, saw extensive participation and interest. Key attendees included:
- Ömer Bolat, Minister of Trade
- İbrahim Beşinci, TÜGVA Chairman
- Mehmet Demiroğlu, TUSAŞ General Manager
- Abdurrahim Albayrak, ALTUR Tourism Chairman of the Board
- İbrahim Erdemoğlu, Erdemoğlu Chairman of the Board
- Yasemin Gür Solmaz, Gürmen Group Chairman of the Board
- Mustafa Mertcan, DOF Robotics Chairman of the Board
- Eyüp Gökhan Özekin, Miray Yapım Founder
- Prof. Dr. Oytun Erbaş, Medical Doctor
- Mert Başaran, Economist
- Cansu Canan Özgen, TV Presenter
- Hakkı Alkan, ShiftDelete.net Founder
- Türker Akıncı, Journalist
The program facilitated discussions on success stories from various sectors, including defense, technology, tourism, textiles, media, health, finance, entrepreneurship, and manufacturing. Sessions covered critical topics such as leadership, strategic thinking, crisis management, team building, entrepreneurship, brand building, production culture, sustainable success, and the role of youth in business.
TÜGVA’s Vision: Nurturing Future Leaders Since 2018
Since its inception in 2018, the Young Executive School project aims not only to contribute to the career goals of young people but also to prepare them for the future with management ethics, a sense of responsibility, entrepreneurial courage, and leadership vision. The program offers direct experience transfer from experts to young people who are currently in management roles or aspire to be, helping participants understand management culture through practical examples beyond theoretical knowledge.
Minister Bolat Emphasizes Equality, Youth, and Entrepreneurship
Minister of Trade Ömer Bolat, addressing the youth at the TÜGVA Young Executive School project, shared comprehensive insights on business life, leadership, and personal development. Minister Bolat underscored that Turkey’s future hinges on the formula of ‘equality, youth, and entrepreneurship,’ urging young people to effectively utilize the opportunities of the digital age and become leaders of character.
Bolat stated that success is not accidental and requires patience. He remarked, “The path of life progresses like a building rising, brick by brick. Even if paths seem shorter in the digital age, experience is the sum of lived experiences, hardships, and lessons learned. Benefiting from others’ experiences is a cheaper and faster way to avoid wasting time by falling and getting up.”
Minister Bolat emphasized that productivity is a fundamental requirement for existing in the business world: “There is a rule in life: If you exist, you exist; if you don’t, you don’t. If you produce something and make your presence felt, you exist. An employer who doesn’t want to lose you will offer you the opportunities you desire. However, the foundation of this lies in possessing the attribute of ‘El-Emin,’ meaning being a trustworthy person.”
He also provided important advice on financial literacy and saving, saying, “No matter your income, you must learn to set aside reserves. For someone who earns 30,000 but spends 100,000 and uses credit cards recklessly, the future is troubled. Whether it’s a personal, family, or state budget, the standard formula is to cut your coat according to your cloth.”
Adding that leadership is not just about titles, Minister Bolat highlighted that indecisiveness is the worst situation in management: “Three percent of managers govern countries. A good manager listens to common sense but ultimately demonstrates willpower and makes decisions. In communication, we should not abandon sweet words and empathy. We should not do to others what we would not want done to ourselves.”
Minister Bolat concluded his speech by reminding young people to actively participate in non-governmental organizations to develop their ‘networking’ skills and to fill every moment of life with learning without being ‘picky’ about jobs.
TÜGVA Chairman: Building Tomorrow’s World Today
TÜGVA Chairman İbrahim Beşinci stated that the Young Executive School is not merely an educational program but a powerful vision project that contributes to young people’s journey from ideas to value, from courage to leadership.
Beşinci emphasized, “Nothing is perfect. The only perfect thing is effort, endeavor, diligence, and hard work. Moreover, we must remember that true leadership is not just about managing today; it is about building tomorrow’s world today. At this critical juncture, where digital transformation, artificial intelligence, and new economic models are reshaping life, we believe in a youth that charts its own course, not one that drifts with the current.”
Addressing the youth, Beşinci noted that while the era is changing rapidly, the need for strong character, firm will, and a productive mind remains constant. He added, “Reading tomorrow is a matter of foresight. But building that tomorrow with justice, knowledge, and faith is the work of a strong character. Because knowledge, when kneaded with ethics, transforms into true power, and a career, when sealed with character, leaves a lasting mark. Today, we need not only those who solve crises but also those who guide; not only those who manage today but also young executives who build the future. You are the architects who will rewrite the codes of the new world with ancient wisdom and a modern mind. In our lexicon, ‘management’ is not a status but a stance. Rest assured, if the intention is clear, the path becomes visible; if the effort is strong, the trail is followed.”
Beşinci stated that TÜGVA will continue to produce projects that touch the lives of young people and equip them with the necessary tools for the era. He concluded, “We believe that our young brothers and sisters will build not only their own careers but also the future of Turkey. The greatest strength of this country is its youth who have dreams, make efforts, have concerns, and are not afraid to take responsibility. We hope that every one of our brothers and sisters who passes through the Young Executive School will become a trustworthy, value-producing, people-developing, and impactful manager wherever they go.”
The program continued with sessions featuring sector representatives, experience sharing, and questions from young people. Throughout the summit, participants met with figures from various fields of the business world, gaining significant insights into career planning, leadership, entrepreneurship, and management culture.
The Young Executive School 2026 Summit Program concluded after a thank-you presentation to the participants and a commemorative photo session with the young people involved in the program.
For detailed information about the Young Executive School project and to follow the application processes, you can visit tugva.org.
