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

The event featured the launch of the 2025 Human Development Report in Türkiye, along with a dialogue on regional trends in human development in Europe and Central Asia. The 2025 Human Development Report—UNDP’s flagship analysis of global development trends—placed a particular focus on the transformative potential of artificial intelligence for inclusive growth.

Launched in 2015 under UNDP’s strategic partnership with Türkiye, the Istanbul Development Dialogues have grown into a premier forum on sustainable development. This year’s edition, themed “Shaping Development Futures”, offered two days of action-oriented discussions on the evolving roles of the private sector, trade and investment in advancing sustainable development, and on reimagining traditional aid models to foster 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 of UNDP, during his remarks. “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 included 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 of 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 at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Türkiye, emphasized: “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 built on global conversations such as FFD4 in Sevilla and LLDC3 in Awaza, as well as recent UNDP dialogues with private sector representatives on policy and regulatory developments and financing instruments that can help drive greater private-sector contributions to sustainable development.

The Istanbul Development Dialogues once again provided a platform for bold ideas and inclusive solutions. As countries navigate complex global challenges, #IDD2025 offered a timely opportunity to shape development pathways that are resilient, equitable and future-ready.

For more information on sessions, speakers and outcomes, visit the IDD2025 microsite. Continue the conversation 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