As the oldest secular state in the Muslim world, Turkey is an important ally to the United States and has been a partner with the West since the beginning of the Cold War.  However, this history does not guarantee a smooth relationship.  Issues such as the rights of the Turkish Kurds, relations with Iraqi Kurds, entrance into the EU, and the rise of political Islam continue to cause strains within and without Turkey, raising numerous questions.  What does Turkey think about the United States?  Do Turkey, the United States, and Europe share the same views about the Middle East?  What do Turks think about the international system and its need for leadership?  To discuss these issues and more, YPFP is pleased to host emerging Turkish leaders Arif Cem Gundogan, Derya Tan Boya, and Gulgonul Bozoglu.

Our panelists come to us through the YPFP Global Partners Program, a new initiative to invite our members to engage in face-to-face and virtual dialogue with young professionals around the world.  For more information, please contact Katie Tobin at katherine.tobin@ypfp.org .

To attend, please register by emailing events@ypfp.org with your name and affiliation. 

Arif Cem Gundogan

Arif Cem Gundogan is a member of AEGEE Ankara (European Students' Forum) where he served as the Public Relations Director of AEGEE (European Students Forum), the largest youth NGO in Europe. He also served as President of AEGEE-Ankara.   Mr. Gundogan has lobbied in the European Parliament and the European Commission for the European Youth Forum and AEGEE-Europe initiatives. He also promoted the idea of a Turkish National Youth Council. In the future, Arif Cem Gundogan wants to continue working on civic society initiatives focusing on promoting youth participation and intercultural understanding.

Derya Tan Boya

Derya Tan Boya is a member of AEGEE Ankara (European Students' Forum), where she is responsible for the themes in the International Politics Working Group and coordinator of the Turkish Armenian Working Group of AEGEE.  Ms. Boya obtained her Bachelor's Degree in International Relations at the University of Ankara in 2006.  Upon graduation she attended the University of Athens to pursue a Master's degree in Southeast European Studies.  She is currently working on a second Master's degree in International Security and Terrorism at the Turkish Military Academy.  Her future plans include obtaining a PhD in Political Science or International Law and a career in international organizations.