Young leaders met in the program co-organized by GİBTÜ.

Gaziantep Islamic Science and Technology University, in collaboration with Al Sharq Forum and Şahinbey Municipality, held the 8th International Al Sharq Youth Conference 2024 with the participation of thousands of young people from 50 countries.

Under the theme “Beyond Borders – A New Order,” the conference brought together young leaders, renowned thinkers, media representatives, and academics from around the world in collaboration with GİBTÜ. The conference, held at the Gaziantep Şahinbey Congress and Arts Center, addressed global issues and provided a platform for young people to share their knowledge and experiences, as well as discuss methods for strategic planning.

In the opening of the conference, Gaziantep Islamic Science and Technology University Rector Demir, AK Party Group Deputy Chairman Abdulhamit Gül, Şahinbey Mayor Mehmet Tahmazoğlu, General Director of Youth Services Dr. Enes Efendioğlu, and Al Sharg Forum President Wadah Khanfar addressed the participants. Approximately 2,500 leaders from Turkey and around the world, as well as many experts and academics, attended the conference.

“We are fighting for humanity”

GİBTÜ Rector Prof. Dr. Şehmus Demir emphasized the importance of the role of young people in the transformation and development of society in his speech, stating, “Our world, armed enough to destroy humanity dozens of times, is unable to solve fundamental problems like hunger and poverty. Changing this order and rewriting humanity is in your hands. For us, ‘the other’ is only the oppressor. This is a command of the Quran. We have no enmity toward anyone, but we must resist injustice and oppression. We cannot accept a world order that limits human rights to only the rights of Israel or Jews. Our struggle is not only for ourselves but for all the oppressed and downtrodden. Today, here, by establishing a unity of thought and action beyond borders, we can build a new order. I invite you all to fight for a just and free world. The responsibility to change the world is on all our shoulders. Do not be afraid to carve your own path, be an advocate for justice and rights. Show the courage to rewrite the future and be the hope of humanity,” he said.

AK Party Group Deputy Chairman Abdulhamit Gül, Şahinbey Mayor Mehmet Tahmazoğlu, and Al Sharg Forum President Wadah Khanfar, who spoke at the conference, also expressed that a new world order is essential, and that a more just and livable world will eventually be established.