Publisher: Columbia Global Centers
16.12.2016
2nd Greek-Turkish Young Leaders Symposium on Security
Date and Time: Friday, December 16, 2016 9:30-11:30
Type: Symposium
Location: Columbia Global Centers | Istanbul
Greek and Turkish Students Discussed the Future of the Mediterranean
The Istanbul Center hosted one session of the 2nd Turkish – Greek Young Leaders Symposium (GTYS) on Security with distinguished members from the Turkish – Greek Forum. The session entailed a fascinating discussion on the future Turkish – Greek relations with Ipek Cem Taha, Volkan Vural, Soli Özel, Ionnis Grigoriades, Dimitrios Triantophyllou and Rana Zincir Celal as well as 15 Turkish and 15 Greek graduate students and faculty members from reputable universities in Turkey and Greece. The project aims to open the way for the future leaders of both countries to achieve a better understanding of one and other through dialogue and joint projects on security. The symposium is an initiative of the Kadir Has University’s Center for International and European Studies, the Thessaloniki-based Navarino Network and NATO’s Public Diplomacy Division.
Ipek Cem Taha, the Director of the Columbia Global Centers | Istanbul, opened the meeting and talked about the Cem Papandreou International Peace Award by emphasizing the importance of the spirit of peace and intercultural dialogue. Volkan Vural, retired ambassador, spoke about Greek-Turkish relations in the context of the European Union. Associate Professor Ioannis N. Grigoriadis, SIPA’02, talked about his new research project on the prospects for a peaceful settlement in Cyprus. Participants discussed the EU’s impact on Turkish-Greek relations and reconciliation, the importance of the role of civil society and political figures for the rapprochement process.
Speakers:
Ipek Cem Taha, Director, Columbia Global Centers | Istanbul
Volkan Vural, Member of the Turkish – Greek Forum
Soli Özel, Kadir Has University, Member of the Turkish – Greek Forum
Ioannis N. Grigoriadis, Member of the Turkish – Greek Forum
Dimitrios Triantaphyllou, Kadir Has University, Member of the Turkish – Greek Forum
Rana Zincir Celal, Senior Program Manager, Columbia Global Centers | Istanbul and Member of the Turkish – Greek Forum