COMMUNICATION ON ENGAGEMENT(COE)
20.03.2024
To our stakeholders:
I am pleased to confirm that the International Relations Studies Association – TUIC continues to stand firmly with the United Nations Global Compact and its Ten Principles concerning Human Rights, Labour, Environment, and Anti-Corruption. Herein is our Communication on Engagement with the United Nations Global Compact, and we openly invite feedback regarding its content.
In this Communication of Engagement, we describe the actions that our organization has taken to support the UN Global Compact and its Principles as suggested for an organization like ours. We delineate the concrete steps our organization has taken from 2021 to 2024. These actions include the significant increase in our volunteer applications, the expansion of our reach to young people through our educational initiatives, the substantial growth of our Online Internship Project, and the impactful delivery of online workshops and seminars in key societal areas.
We pledge to continue disseminating this information among our stakeholders through our established communication channels.
Sincerely yours,
Mr. Burak YALIM / Founder President
Actions
In light of the principles outlined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which enshrine the right of every citizen to engage in social and democratic life, our organization is steadfast in its commitment to nurturing the spirit of volunteerism and the ethos of active citizenship, particularly among the youth. We are dedicated to enlightening, raising awareness, and spurring the active engagement of young individuals through our multifaceted initiatives.
TUİÇ is known for instigating a culture of volunteerism within the youth, fostering values that are pivotal to civil initiative, democratic evolution, and sustainability. Moreover, our association is a proud participant in the Local Youth Associations Network, which greatly amplifies our collaborative endeavors.
In partnership with the Civil Life Association – SİYAMDER, we have crafted and executed a Core Training Program (ÇEP) that consists of three modules, specifically designed for our envoys. This initiative is a testament to our dedication to professional and personal development among the youth.
Furthermore, we championed the Workshop on Youth Policies in Local Governments, an event held in July 2023 with the backing of the European Union’s Civic Thought Program. This workshop was a significant step forward, focusing on the creation of a Youth Policy for the Beşiktaş Municipality. Our goal is to cultivate a fertile ground where young people can connect across diverse cultures, unfettered by differences in religion, language, race, gender, or ethnic background. This cross-pollination of ideas and values is at the heart of what we do—building bridges that foster understanding and cooperation.
Education Rights
Education, as articulated within the framework of human rights conventions, is acknowledged as a fundamental human right accessible to all on an equal basis. This right assumes even greater significance in the aftermath of crises that can impede access to higher education. In the wake of the devastating earthquakes on February 6th in Turkey, our organization mobilized to address the educational disruption faced by youths affected directly or indirectly by the disaster. We launched a volunteer-driven initiative to facilitate access to higher education, devising a comprehensive online program encompassing 14 modules. This program was instrumental in providing educational opportunities to over 200 students, underscoring our commitment to education in times of need.
Subsequently, with the support of the European Union’s ETKINIZ program, we initiated the Recover2gether project. This pivotal project is geared towards monitoring the right to access higher education in post-disaster contexts, ensuring that those rights are upheld and that students continue their academic pursuits without undue hindrance.
Within the broader spectrum of education rights, and considering the logistical challenges that can prevent equal access to internship opportunities, our online internship project was established. This project is tailored particularly for those aspiring to advance in the field of International Relations. It not only fosters academic growth but also provides a dynamic forum for the practical application of social sciences theory. By curating a discursive environment and connecting individuals from varied cultural backgrounds, we strive to nurture a holistic academic experience that transcends geographic limitations.
Labor
Labor and the active participation of our young volunteers are the bedrock of our association. The engagement of these dynamic individuals is cultivated without bias, reflecting our staunch adherence to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. We firmly believe in inclusive participation, ensuring that all segments of society have equal opportunities to contribute to social work. The conditions for participation are crafted to be equitable, fostering a diverse and vibrant volunteer community where every contribution is valued and every voice is heard.
Environment
Environmentally sustainable practices are not just a policy but a principle we embody in our association’s operations. Our commitment to the environment is manifested through judicious use of materials in all our training sessions and activities. We strive for environmental stewardship through a series of strategic actions:
- We minimize paper waste by adopting double-sided printing with multifunction printers.
- We implement a robust paper recycling program.
- We favor the electronic dissemination of notes over traditional handouts.
- We transition towards electronic forms to reduce the need for printed materials.
- We maintain an electronic archive, substantially reducing our reliance on physical storage and thus our paper footprint.
These eco-conscious initiatives represent our unwavering dedication to reducing our environmental impact while modeling responsible practices for our members and the community at large. It is through these small yet significant steps that we contribute to a larger culture of sustainability and environmental responsibility.
Gender Equality
The onset of the global pandemic necessitated a shift in how we approach education and internships. Capitalizing on this impetus, since 2016, we have significantly bolstered and institutionalized our online education and internship programs, ensuring our organization’s processes are in alignment with the accelerating pace of digitalization. A key part of this development has been the reinforcement of our inclusive perspective, which integrates and upholds gender equality and extends to support disadvantaged groups such as immigrants and refugees.