Impact Investing Perspectives from EYDK and GSG Impact Highlighted at HBR Türkiye Sustainability Summit 2025!

On the second day of the summit held on May 28, 2025, EYDK Chair and GSG Impact Trustee Şafak  Müderrisgil delivered a speech titled “Impact Investing and Investor Appetite”, emphasizing the strategic importance of impact-oriented financial models from investors perspective.

“Müderrisgil emphasized that impact investing is key to sustainable development, highlighting how the winds of global change are shaping both the environment for impact investments and their performance — from strengthening impact literacy to advancing blended finance models and fostering regional sustainability — all within a broad and holistic perspective.

As EYDK, we remain committed to advancing impact investing by positioning Türkiye as a regional bridge.



Diving into “Impact” with the Youth Leadership Council!

We connected with members of the Youth Leadership Council (YLC), part of the global Generation Unlimited initiative, of which UNICEF is a founding partner. This platform empowers young people to actively engage in and find solutions to the issues that directly affect them. Representing all seven regions of Türkiye, these 14 inspiring young leaders reflect the country’s diversity!

On May 26, EYDK, in collaboration with Etkiyap, hosted an online session where we explored: Impact and Impact Investing, Sustainability and the SDGs, Impact Measurement and Management beyond these key topics, we discussed how young leaders can help shape a future where impact is at the core of business and decision-making.

Our goal was not only to support young people in achieving success in their careers, but also to inspire and empower them to grow as impact leaders who create value for society.

The future belongs to them, and we’re committed to building a more just, inclusive, and sustainable world—together.



Impact Leaders United in Kyoto!

🇯🇵 From May 20 to 22, 2025, the city of Kyoto hosted the annual Global Leadership Meeting (GLM) 2025, organized by the GSG Impact JAPAN National Partner.

This inspiring gathering brought together leaders working in the fields of impact investing and the impact economy. In addition to sessions, the event was open to a wider audience on the first day of GLM 2025 through the GSG Impact Conference.

🔹 On May 20, the public GSG Impact Conference served as a platform for sharing the latest global developments in impact investing. Hosted at Ritsumeikan University — one of Japan’s leading institutions in impact investing and entrepreneurship education — the event brought together a diverse audience to explore emerging trends and innovative practices shaping the global impact landscape.

Şafak Müderrisgil, Chair of EYDK, spoke at the conference, highlighting Türkiye’s recent progress in impact investing and emphasizing its potential to serve as a regional bridge connecting the Middle East, Europe, and Central Asia

🔹 On May 21–22, GSG Impact’s National Partners and global stakeholders came together at the historic Kyoto International Conference Center, where the Kyoto Protocol was signed, to shape their shared vision and strengthen regional collaboration. 

On May 21, during the session titled “What’s Next for OBF: From SIBs to Impact-Linked Loans and Beyond”, Tuğçe Söğüt, Secretary General of EYDK, presented Türkiye’s experience in launching its first Social Impact Bond. She reflected on the opportunities, challenges, and lessons learned from outcomes-based finance models in a local context.

Over the course of three days, more than 150 participants from over 50 countries engaged in meaningful dialogue around emerging global trends and localized initiatives Throughout the conference, participants exchanged success stories, innovative models, and real-life lessons — creating a valuable space for learning and connection within the impact ecosystem.

As the GSG Impact National Partner for Türkiye since 2022, we were proud to share our country’s journey, experiences, and regional vision for advancing impact investing.

GLM 2025 once again reminded us: growing the impact ecosystem requires more than capital — it demands collective learning, collaboration, and strong global networks.



EYDK Chair Şafak Müderrisgil Takes the Stage at GLM 2025!

Hosted by GSG Impact Japan National Partner, the Global Leadership Meeting (GLM) 2025—one of the world’s leading summits in the field of impact investing—kicked off in Kyoto, Japan.

Şafak Müderrisgil, Chair of EYDK and Trustee of GSG Impact, joined the opening plenary session titled “United for the Impact Economy: Voices from Around the World” as a speaker.

In her remarks, she spotlighted recent developments in Türkiye’s impact investment ecosystem, including pioneering initiatives and efforts to align with global standards. In the “vision for the future”, she underlined the importance of impact-driven public policies, innovative financial tools, and stronger regional collaboration to drive meaningful change.

She emphasized EYDK’s role within the global GSG Impact network and Türkiye’s growing potential to act as a regional bridge for impact investing between the Middle East, Europe and Central Asia.

EYDK Secretary General Tuğçe Söğüt participated in “Venture Capital Ecosystem: Portfolio Management Companies Meeting”!

We were delighted to join the “Venture Capital Ecosystem: Portfolio Management Companies Meeting” held at Boğaziçi University and hosted by Investment and Finance Office of the Presidency of the Republic of Türkiye!

On May 12, 2025, with the participation of senior executives from 31 portfolio management companies, EYDK Secretary General Tuğçe Söğüt delivered a presentation titled “A Pioneering Role in Tomorrow’s Transformation: Impact Investing.”

What was on the agenda:

  • The global and national impact investing ecosystem
  • The strategic importance of impact investing for ecosystem stakeholders
  • The critical role of the private sector in achieving the SDGs

This important gathering not only shed light on Türkiye’s investment landscape but also marked a significant step in building a shared vision for the future of impact investments.

 Learn more: https://bit.ly/CBYO-AA



Impact Investing Forum: “Entrepreneurship Meets Impact” Took Place with Great Enthusiasm Organized in Collaboration with EYDK and ODTU TEKNOKENT!

📢 “Entrepreneurship and Impact Unite for a Sustainable Future!”

On February 19, 2025, the Impact Investing Forum: “Entrepreneurship Meets Impact” took place with great enthusiasm at CoZone Ankara! Organized in collaboration with EYDK and ODTU TEKNOKENT, the event brought together the concepts of entrepreneurship and impact under one roof.

The forum featured insightful discussions on the critical role of entrepreneurship in social development. Participants explored the power of innovative ventures and digital solutions for the green economy while evaluating the global entrepreneurship ecosystem through the lens of Greece’s experience. The sessions on measuring and managing impact provided fresh perspectives for entrepreneurs striving to create a positive difference. Additionally, inspiring panels on impact-focused support programs and sustainable business models contributed significantly to strengthening our ecosystem.

We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to all the speakers, participants!

📎 Click Here to Access the Press Release.

We Proudly Held the Launch Event of Our Project, “Empowering Disabled Women and Girls through Sports and Employment Opportunities,” at the UNESCO Headquarters in Paris.

📢 Announcing from Paris: We’ve Successfully Completed Our Project! 

As the EYDK and Etkiyap Consortium, in collaboration with the Gaziantep Metropolitan Municipality and with the support of the UK Bilateral Cooperation Program, we proudly held the launch event of our project, “Empowering Disabled Women and Girls through Sports and Employment Opportunities,” aligned with the UNESCO Fit for Life program, at the UNESCO Headquarters in Paris.

High-Level Participation:

The event brought together:
🔹 Gabriela Ramos, UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Social and Human Sciences
🔹 Ambassador Anna Nsubuga, Permanent Representative of the United Kingdom to UNESCO
🔹 Ambassador Gülnur Aybet, Permanent Representative of Türkiye to UNESCO
🔹 Fatma Şahin, Mayor of Gaziantep Metropolitan Municipality
🔹 Şafak Müderrisgil, EYDK & Etkiyap Chairman of the Board
🔹 Tuğçe Söğüt, EYDK General Secretary and Etkiyap Board Member

The esteemed speakers highlighted the opportunities for future collaboration within the scope of our project.

💡 Our Project Does Not End Here!
The data and insights gained will serve as a guide to developing more inclusive and sustainable solutions in the long term.

Click Here to Access the Press Release.

#ImpactInvesting

“Overcoming Barriers Workshop” Was Successfully Concluded!

As part of our project “Empowering Disabled Women and Girls through Sports and Livelihood Opportunities,” we successfully organised the “Overcoming Barriers Workshop” in collaboration with Gaziantep Metropolitan Municipality (GBB) and the GBB Engelsiz Yaşam Merkezi.

The workshop, which began with opening speeches, brought together 77 participants, primarily academics.

Six thematic committees were formed to address key issues:

  • Challenges faced by individuals with disabilities and their families
  • Social, cultural, employment, and sports opportunities for women with disabilities
  • Education, rehabilitation, and support mechanisms for children with disabilities
  • Social security, in-kind, and financial assistance for people with disabilities
  • Accessibility and support services provided by local governments
  • Medical reports and healthcare services related to disabilities

The workshop concluded with the presentation of key outcomes by the committees, followed by a closing speech from Fatma Şahin, Mayor of Gaziantep Metropolitan Municipality. Together, we took concrete steps towards breaking down barriers and fostering empowerment!

 

EYDK Chair Şafak Müderrisgil Joined the “Invest in Türkiye Talks” Podcast Series!

EYDK Chair Şafak Müderrisgil joined the “Invest in Türkiye Talks” podcast series, prepared by the Investment Office of the Presidency of the Republic of Türkiye!

In this episode, Şafak Müderrisgil discusses a range of topics, from launching Türkiye’s first social impact bond to strengthening the sustainable finance ecosystem. Her visionary approach, which transforms investment into a powerful tool for social and environmental change, is shared with listeners.

To listen click here:

🟢 Spotify
🟣 Apple Podcasts
🔴 YouTube

Kicking Off 2025: First Meeting of the Year!

We came together with our members to strengthen Türkiye’s impact investing ecosystem and reinforce our shared vision.

Highlights from our meeting:
✅ Insights from GSG Impact & global impact investing updates
✅ Presentation of EYDK’s 2025 Action Plan & sector priorities
✅ A warm welcome to our new members
✅ Review of key ecosystem reports

At EYDK, we remain committed to driving the growth of impact investing in Türkiye with the support of all our stakeholders. 🌍✨