The "İhtisas Akademi’26 Kastamonu" program, conducted by the Türkiye Youth Foundation (TÜGVA) and hosted by Kastamonu University, was held on May 4, 2026, in the Sezai Karakoç Hall of the Central Library.
The program was attended by the former Minister of Youth and Sports, AK Party İzmir member of parliament Mehmet Muharrem Kasapoğlu, former Kastamonu member of parliament Gökhan Gülşen, our Rector Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hamdi Topal, Kastamonu Provincial General Assembly Chairman Doğan Ünlü, our Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Mehmet Atalan, Türkiye Youth Foundation Chairman İbrahim Beşinci, TÜGVA Provincial Representative Selim Önen, AK Party Kastamonu Provincial Chairman Ahmet Sevgilioğlu, representatives of institutions and organizations, academics, and many students.
The program's opening speech was delivered by TÜGVA Provincial Representative Selim Önen. Önen, in his speech, thanked everyone who attended the program and expressed his hope that these meetings would continue.
In the program, TÜGVA General President İbrahim Beşinci, who stated that they realized the İhtisas Academy project with the understanding that " who is everyplace is nowhere; who is in one place is everywhere," said, "The deepening, focusing, and gaining competence of individuals and institutions in certain areas carry a distinct value in today's world." I believe that this process offers an important opportunity, especially for our young people, to determine their own fields and progress in that direction," he continued.
President Beşinci also emphasized in his speech that young people studying at universities should focus on a field, specialize in that field, and that this process should be supported, saying, "We are organizing programs that bring together competent individuals from different universities in Türkiye, based on sharing knowledge and experience in a sincere conversation environment." He concluded his speech with the words.
Speaking at the program, former Minister and Member of Parliament M. Muharrem Kasapoğlu emphasized that young people should develop not only through academic success but also through values, a sense of responsibility, and social contribution. Dr. Kasapoğlu used the following expressions in his speech: In the new century of Türkiye, the greatest strength of Türkiye is its youth. A youth equipped with knowledge, self-confidence, and productivity is the most important dynamic shaping the future of our country. Universities are not only places where education is provided, but also institutions where character and vision are built.
In his speech, Kasapoğlu emphasized the importance of young people accessing opportunities and stated that academic development and social responsibility should go hand in hand. Kasapoğlu said, "Volunteering is an indispensable understanding for us." It is one of our fundamental approaches. The common point of everyone present here today is actually being part of a volunteer organization. Being part of this and ensuring the continuity of these activities is possible by being smart, enthusiastic, sincere, and benefit-oriented within the process."
Drawing attention to the energy of youth in society, Kasapoğlu stated that life teaches some things through official or unofficial channels, and that experiences gained through volunteer activities contribute to individual development.
Stating that the friendships and camaraderie established in volunteer projects will contribute to students' lives, Kasapoğlu said, "Every activity conducted, whether it is a panel, an organization, or a social activity, brings new experiences to your life." Therefore, no activity should be underestimated. It is important to work regularly every day and to continue the work with love and willingness.
Kasapoğlu Said that “Recommending that students take part in voluntary activities both during their education and afterward, Kasapoğlu said, "I can clearly say that the activities I engaged in during my high school and youth years provided me with very important gains in my university life and afterwards." The program concluded with a question-and-answer session, during which TÜGVA General President İbrahim Beşinci and our Rector, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hamdi Topal, presented a gift to the former Minister of Youth and Sports, AK Party İzmir Deputy Mehmet Muharrem Kasapoğlu, and a commemorative photo was taken. After the program, the former Minister of Youth and Sports, AK Party İzmir member of Parliament Mehmet Muharrem Kasapoğlu, visited our university's Ay Yıldız Sports and Life Center.
During the visit, Kasapoğlu, who received information about the sports and social activities conducted at the center, stated that the facility offers significant opportunities for both our university students and the people of Kastamonu.
Highlighting our university's contributions to the region and higher education, Kasapoğlu stated that our university plays an important role not only in the academic field but also in social, cultural, and sporting activities. Emphasizing the development of Kastamonu and the value-adding efforts of our University to the city, Kasapoğlu stated that these services are valuable for both students and the local community.
