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Istanbul Development Dialogues

Shaping Development Futures | 18-19 November

About

Since their inception in 2015, UNDP's Istanbul Development Dialogues (IDD) have grown into a premier global development forum, building on Istanbul’s geopolitical position and active role in global development. Here, policymakers, business leaders and a wide array of experts ranging from journalists to designers come together to deliberate on contemporary issues. The IDD has become a melting pot of ideas, fostering dialogue that shapes policy and innovation for sustainable development.

The IDD series was initiated within the framework of our strategic partnership with Türkiye, reflecting our long-standing collaboration and shared vision for a sustainable future 

 

 

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We live through times of profound disruptions and transformations. Slower global growth, escalating conflicts, widening inequality and deepening polarization, coupled with the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) and the relentless impact of climate change, compel us to reimagine development. Pathways that once led to jobs and lifted millions out of poverty are now constrained by a ‘triple squeeze’, as termed by UNDP’s latest Human Development Report: tightening financing, shrinking opportunities in manufacturing, and intensifying trade tensions that hinder exports. These challenges know no borders – all nations are exposed.

UNDP convenes the 2025 Istanbul Development Dialogues (#IDD2025) in cooperation with the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA), bringing together policymakers, private sector leaders, investors, academics and experts to deliberate on the futures of sustainable, green, fair and peaceful societies and what policies and actions can get us there.

The theme of the #IDD2025 – Shaping Development Futures – is unpacked through action-oriented dialogues on the roles of private sector, trade and investments in advancing sustainable development, on re-imagining traditional aid models and collaborations and partnerships that lead to greater collective impacts.
 

 

 

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      Speakers
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              Press release

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              Istanbul, Türkiye, 18–19 November 2025 – As the world faces profound disruptions from slower global growth, the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence and the relentless impact of climate change, the global community is compelled to rethink solutions and partnerships for sustainable development. The UN Development Programme (UNDP), in cooperation with the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA), and the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Türkiye, is convening the 2025 edition of the Istanbul Development Dialogues (#IDD2025), bringing together policymakers, private sector leaders, investors, academics and experts, to discuss pathways towards sustainable, green, fair and peaceful societies.

              The event hosts as well the launch in Türkiye of the 2025 Human Development Report, and a dialogue on regional trends in human development in Europe and Central Asia. The 2025 Human Development Report is UNDP’s flagship analysis of global development trends, with a special focus on the transformative potential of artificial intelligence for inclusive growth.

              Launched in 2015 within the framework of UNDP’s strategic partnership with Türkiye, the Istanbul Development Dialogues have become a premier forum on sustainable development. This year’s edition, themed Shaping Development Futures, will feature over two days action-oriented dialogues on the evolving roles of the private sector, trade and investment in advancing sustainable development, as well as sessions on reimagining traditional aid models and fostering collaborations for greater collective impact.

              “When the world feels most fragmented, we must come together in solidarity. When challenges seem insurmountable, we need collective action to shape global public goods and development solutions that work for the 21st century,” said Mr. Haoliang Xu, Acting Administrator, UNDP. “Together, we can learn from each other, share ideas, and shape the next generation of development that delivers for people and planet alike.”

              The agenda includes discussions on the future of work, youth and skills, circular economy, resilience, and the transformative potential of technology and AI for human development.

              Reflecting on the importance of international development cooperation, Assoc. Prof. Rahman Nurdun, Vice President, TİKA noted: “In a world shaped by overlapping crises, TİKA, shouldering Türkiye’s development cooperation responsibilities, believes that progress is possible only when knowledge, responsibility and hope are shared. With the convening power and expertise of the United Nations, such partnerships can transform limited resources into solutions that deliver lasting impact.”

              Highlighting the significance of international collaboration, H.E. Ambassador Korhan Karakoç, Director General for Humanitarian and Technical Assistance, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Türkiye said: “For Türkiye, development is not an abstract concept — it is about people, opportunity, and dignity. Our vision is built on the conviction that no one should be left behind. Türkiye’s own experience — from being a recipient of assistance to becoming an active development partner — has shaped our approach to international cooperation.” 

              The 2025 edition of IDD builds on global conversations such as FFD4 in Sevilla and LLDC3 in Awaza, and on recent UNDP dialogues with private sector representatives, focusing on policy and regulatory developments and financing instruments that can help drive greater private sector contributions to sustainable development. 

              The Istanbul Development Dialogues offer a space for bold ideas and inclusive solutions. As countries navigate complex global challenges, #IDD2025 provides a timely opportunity to help shape development pathways that are resilient, equitable and future-ready.

              To learn more about the sessions, speakers and the outcomes, visit the IDD2025 microsite. Join the conversations on social media using #IDD2025.

              Contact information:
              TİKA: Buket Sezer, b.sezer@tika.gov.tr 
              Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Türkiye:  Hüseyin Özen, huseyin.ozen@mfa.gov.tr
              UNDP: Omer Sadaat, sayed.omer@undp.org 

               

              Get engaged!

              Follow and post using #IDD2025 and be part of the dialogue that shapes development future. 

               

               

              Previous series

              Investing for Gender Equality and Inclusive Climate Action

              Building on the success of the first "Scaling Up Climate Action" dialogue earlier this year, the second dialogue in the Istanbul Development Dialogues (IDD) series in 2024 focused on "Investing for Gender Equality and Inclusive Climate Action,”

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              diagram

              Scaling up Climate Action and Climate Finance

              In partnership with the OECD and with the support of the Government of Türkiye, the IDD will convened discussions to advance strategic frameworks and increase climate and green finance.

              Learn more