The United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network (UNSDSN) was founded in 2012 by former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon and world-renowned economics professor Jeffrey Sachs.

Under the auspices of the UN Secretary-General, UNSDSN works to mobilize the world's universities, think tanks and national laboratories on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Paris Agreement, and to transform scientific evidence into solutions.

It works at the intersection of science, policy, and development practice to maximize SDG achievements at the global, regional, national, and local levels. It collaborates with UN agencies, multilateral financing institutions, the private sector, governments, academia, and civil society representatives.

By supporting science-based pathways for the implementation of the SDGs and promoting independent monitoring and accountability for sustainable development, UNSDSN is developing science-based feedback loops to identify priorities in sustainable development and adapt long-term SDG policies and pathways.

The United Nations Academic Impact Network (UNAI), is an organization that brings together higher education institutions worldwide to promote and protect human rights, ensure access to quality education, and contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals.

Since 2010, UNAI has reached over 25 million people, including students, academics, and scientists, through over 1,600 member institutions in over 150 countries, representing a rich thematic presence worldwide. Within the scope of this international partnership network, a platform has been created for sharing beneficial activities such as events, sharing ideas, research results, and best practices aimed at achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Membership in the Academic Impact Network does not entail any financial obligation; members' primary responsibility is to demonstrate their active support of UNAI principles and the Sustainable Development Goals.

In this context,the United Nations Academic Impact Network is of critical importance in ensuring that higher education institutions provide quality education and implement the Sustainable Development Goals in their business processes.

The Magna Charta Universitatum is a universal declaration that emphasizes the historical identity, academic freedom, and institutional autonomy of universities and aims to strengthen cooperation and core values ​​among higher education institutions in Europe. First adopted in 1988 to mark the 900th anniversary of the University of Bologna, this document has now been signed by hundreds of universities worldwide, representing a commitment to upholding the universal principles of higher education.

MCU advocates for universities to conduct research, education, and training activities independently of any political or economic pressure, emphasizing principles such as academic freedom, freedom of expression, institutional autonomy, and respect for cultural diversity. These principles also form the foundation for the development of democratic societies and the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals.

EUROMED is coordinated by the Union of Mediterranean Universities (UNIMED) and the Union for the Mediterranean (UfM), which aim to reduce the carbon footprint and disseminate practices such as energy efficiency in universities, and increase inter-university cooperation in the fight against climate change.

The platform, which aims to foster joint action among higher education institutions in the Mediterranean region against climate change, prioritizes the development of science-based solutions to combat climate change, the promotion of interdisciplinary collaborations, and the development of environmentally conscious student awareness. In this context, our university has adopted the fundamental principles of the EUROMED platform and signed the Girona Manifesto.

Istanbul Kültür University has become a member of the European University Association (EUA). IKU's EUA membership aims to further enhance the quality of education and provide students with more opportunities and experience in a globalizing world.

By becoming a member of EUA, which represents over 850 universities in over 40 European countries, İKÜ will expand its academic networks in the international arena. The organization, which operates across a wide range of areas from policy development in higher education to collaborations in research and education, is a key outcome of Istanbul Kültür University's internationalization vision.

By participating in networks and working groups organized under the umbrella of the European University Association, our university aims to establish closer collaboration with the European higher education community in areas such as sustainability, digital transformation, quality assurance, and strengthening research capacity. Thus, İKÜ has become part of a strong international community based on the sharing of knowledge and experience, supporting innovative learning environments for students, academics, and researchers.