What is "Partnerships for the Goals"?
Yeditepe University adopts a partnership-driven sustainability model grounded in inclusive collaboration, data transparency, and multi-stakeholder capacity building. Within this framework, the university positions itself as a national and international convening actor that strengthens Türkiye’s ability to implement the United Nations 2030 Agenda through knowledge sharing, cross-sector coordination, and long-term institutional alliances.
Direct involvement in national or regional SDG policy development
Yeditepe University contributes to national SDG policy processes by participating in consultative meetings, expert working groups, and government–university collaboration platforms coordinated by relevant ministries and municipalities. Through its Sustainability Office and Sustainable Yeditepe Platform, the university provides evidence-based analysis, supports the identification of sustainability challenges, and contributes to monitoring mechanisms that align institutional data with Türkiye’s National Sustainable Development Strategy. These engagements enable public institutions to benefit from Yeditepe’s academic expertise in sustainability governance, climate policy, urban resilience, and social development.
Cross-sectoral dialogue on the SDGs
The university actively convenes multi-actor dialogues that bring together government bodies, NGOs, private sector representatives, and academia. International Migration Conferences, EcoFin Summits, sustainability forums, and thematic SDG panels serve as platforms where policy-makers, researchers, and civil society actors collaborate on solutions aligned with the global SDG agenda. These events strengthen Türkiye’s SDG ecosystem by enabling continuous communication, shared learning, and joint prioritization across sectors.
International collaboration for SDG data gathering and monitoring
As a member of the United Nations Academic Impact (UNAI) and the Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN), Yeditepe University engages in international data-sharing initiatives and contributes to global SDG monitoring systems. The university reports sustainability indicators, shares institutional practices, and takes part in comparative research that enhances the quality, reach, and credibility of SDG performance data. Through these engagements, Yeditepe acts as a bridge between local sustainability outcomes and global SDG evaluation structures.
Development of international best practices on SDG implementation
Yeditepe University collaborates with global research institutions to evaluate international sustainability models and adapt successful approaches to the local context. Faculty researchers contribute comparative studies on climate resilience, public health, sustainable cities, energy systems, and social inclusion. These collaborations allow Yeditepe to disseminate Turkish academic expertise internationally while simultaneously integrating global best practices into its own sustainability governance.
Collaboration with NGOs on SDG capacity development
Through the YU-LEARN Platform, the university institutionalizes collaborative work with NGOs by coordinating training programmes, community engagement projects, and professional development workshops. The platform strengthens SDG literacy among students, alumni, and staff, while also building long-term relations with civil society organizations working in sustainability, education, digital skills, and community well-being. These partnerships cultivate a strong SDG-oriented culture and create sustained social impact beyond the campus.
Publication of SDG progress reports (SDG1–16)
Yeditepe University ensures transparency and accountability by publishing annual Sustainability Reports and SDG-aligned institutional data on the Sustainable Yeditepe website. Each report provides measurable indicators, progress assessments, and evidence-based narratives for all SDGs, demonstrating alignment with the UN 2030 Agenda and Türkiye’s national priorities. The reporting process supports continuous improvement and facilitates both local and global benchmarking.
Education and capacity-building for the SDGs
Yeditepe University integrates meaningful SDG education across its curriculum. The flagship “Sustainable Development and the 17 SDGs” course ensures that all students gain comprehensive knowledge on global sustainability challenges, policy frameworks, and practical implementation methods. Elective and faculty-based courses further embed sustainability into architecture, engineering, business, political science, environmental sciences, and health programmes.
Community-oriented outreach and inclusive education
The university extends SDG-oriented learning to society through outreach programmes such as the “Return to Society Project”, municipal partnerships, alumni collaborations, and NGO-supported initiatives. These activities provide access to education and support for diverse groups including local residents, public sector workers, disadvantaged populations, and individuals undergoing rehabilitation. Through these channels, Yeditepe strengthens community resilience and contributes to inclusive social development aligned with SDG 17.
