Istanbul Gelisim University (IGU) is a foundation university based in Istanbul, established in 2008 and granted university status in 2011. Since its foundation, IGU has operated with the mission of enhancing quality, accessibility, and diversity in higher education. The university considers education, research, and community service as its core areas of activity. IGU aims to educate students as internationally competent individuals who adhere to scientific ethical values, think creatively, and are conscious of sustainability. To this end, it continuously updates its student-centered educational programs and focuses on graduating qualified individuals who meet the needs of the modern era.
IGU’s core values include respect for individual differences, openness and transparency, an interdisciplinary approach, the principle of sustainability, collaboration with the real sector, and a commitment to continuous improvement.
IGU contributes to knowledge production by conducting research activities both nationally and internationally and strengthens its societal impact through social responsibility projects and public-private partnerships. Within the framework of its 2024–2028 Strategic Plan, IGU envisions generating a global impact in the field of higher education and contributing to societal development through qualified knowledge.
Year of Establishment: 2008 (Vocational School), 2011 (University status)
Number of Faculties: 7
Number of Institutes: 1
Number of Schools: 1
Number of Vocational Schools: 2
Number of Research Centers: 22
Number of Laboratories and Workshops: 145
Total Number of Students (2024): 37,918
Campus Location: Avcılar, Istanbul, Türkiye
Library Facilities: 1 main library and 4 branch libraries
Strategic Plan Period: 2024–2028
SDG 17: PARTNERSHIPS FOR THE GOALS
Sustainable Development Goal 17 (SDG 17) provides a critical framework for achieving all other goals. It emphasizes the necessity of collaboration among national and international actors in areas such as efficient resource utilization, knowledge and technology transfer, capacity building, and financial partnerships. Universities play a key role in this process by producing scientific knowledge, supporting policy development, engaging in community-oriented initiatives, and fostering education that reinforces global partnerships. In this regard, SDG 17 is not merely a stand-alone goal but a comprehensive and integrative area of responsibility that intersects with all other SDGs.
STRATEGIC PRIORITIES OF PARTNERSHIPS
Developing effective partnerships to achieve institutional sustainability goals is supported by long-term policies and governance principles. In line with its strategic plans and governance framework, IGU adopts an inclusive approach to stakeholder engagement and upholds a transparent and accountable management philosophy. This approach fosters a broad sphere of impact through sustainability-focused social responsibility projects and multi-stakeholder collaborations.
