Istanbul Kültür University has adopted the establishment of strong relationships with international networks and active participation in their knowledge-sharing, policy development, and awareness-raising activities as a strategic priority to ensure the global achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Through its memberships and collaborations with both United Nations–affiliated and independent international platforms, the university supports the integration of sustainability policies into academic life and fosters international cooperation in research, education, and community engagement activities in this field.

United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network (UNSDSN)
Since 2022, Istanbul Kültür University has been a member of the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network (UNSDSN). Established in 2012 by former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon and Professor Jeffrey Sachs, UNSDSN encourages universities and research institutions to generate science-based solutions for the implementation of the SDGs. Through its Sustainable Development Center (İKÜSÜRKAM), the university regularly engages with SDSN Türkiye, the national branch of the network, contributing to the advancement of sustainable development policies through education, research, and reporting activities. This collaboration demonstrates the university’s integration into global sustainability networks and its contribution to policy development through evidence-based knowledge.

United Nations Academic Impact (UNAI)
Istanbul Kültür University has been a member of the United Nations Academic Impact (UNAI) since 2021. UNAI brings together more than 1,600 higher education institutions from over 150 countries to promote the protection of human rights, access to quality education, and the implementation of the SDGs. The university actively contributes to this global network by aligning with UNAI’s principles through curriculum development, awareness-raising activities, and community-oriented projects. Within this framework, Istanbul Kültür University organizes annual awareness campaigns on UNAI thematic days and supports the integration of the Sustainable Development Goals into the academic environment.

Magna Charta Universitatum (MCU)
In 2021, Istanbul Kültür University signed the Magna Charta Universitatum (MCU), committing to support academic freedom, institutional autonomy, and cultural diversity among European higher education institutions. Originally launched in 1988 by the University of Bologna, the MCU advocates for universities’ right to conduct research and teaching free from political or economic pressures. Through this membership, Istanbul Kültür University contributes to strengthening democratic values, free thought, and SDG-based governance practices within higher education.

EUROMED Universities Network (UNIMED)
Istanbul Kültür University is a member of the EUROMED platform coordinated by the Union of Mediterranean Universities (UNIMED) and the Union for the Mediterranean (UfM). The platform aims to promote collaboration among universities in the Mediterranean region to combat climate change, reduce carbon footprints, and enhance energy efficiency. The university has adopted the core principles of the EUROMED platform by signing the Girona Manifesto, thereby supporting the development of academic partnerships for regional climate action. Istanbul Kültür University initiated its involvement in EUROMED activities in 2024 and officially endorsed the platform’s principles by signing the Girona Manifesto in 2025. This membership reflects the university’s commitment to establishing international partnerships in environmental sustainability.

European University Association (EUA)
Istanbul Kültür University has become a member of the European University Association (EUA). The EUA membership of İKÜ aims not only to further enhance the quality of education but also to provide students with more opportunities and areas of experience in an increasingly globalized world.

Representing more than 850 universities across over 40 countries in Europe, this membership will enable İKÜ to expand its academic networks on the international stage. Operating across a broad spectrum—from higher education policy development to cooperation in research and teaching—the organization stands as one of the key components of Istanbul Kültür University’s internationalization vision.

Within the framework of the European University Association, our university aims to strengthen its collaboration with the European higher education area in fields such as sustainability, digital transformation, quality assurance, and research capacity building by actively participating in networks and working groups. Thus, İKÜ has become part of a strong international community that fosters innovative learning environments and promotes the exchange of knowledge and experience among students, academics, and researchers.