Concept

The GMT program was developed in 2006 from recognition of the importance of strong bi-lateral relations to both countries. The large German-Turkish community in Germany and Turkey’s possible accession to the European Union are key issues that require dialogue, understanding, and trust between the two countries. The Ultimate Goal of Germany Meets Turkey: A Forum for Young Leaders (GMT) is to strengthen bi-lateral relations between Germany and Turkey by developing and sustaining an active network of young leaders from both countries.

GMT therefore brings together young leaders for two annual Weeklong Study Tours, one in each country, that allow them to network with each other and learn more about the German-Turkish relationship at the political, economic, and cultural levels. The GMT program also supports members of this network in organising their own exchange activity between the two countries and is therefore able to have a far-reaching impact on citizens in both Germany and Turkey.

Methodology

The GMT program has three pillars of activity: the annual Study Tour, the GMT Network and Leadership Initiatives. The three areas of activity are linked closely to each other and help us achieve our goal of strengthening bi-lateral relations.

Study Tour

The foundation of the GMT program is an annual Study Tour that brings together 12 young leaders from Germany with 12 young leaders from Turkey. The seven-day program alternates between Germany and Turkey and includes seminars, lectures, workshops, cultural and social activities that enable the participants to get to know one another better, learn more about the bilateral relationship, and generate ideas for leadership initiatives. The speakers include leading figures from the areas of politics, academia, the private sectors, and civil society. The Study Tours serve as an entry point for the GMT Network, creating an opportunity for the participants to meet and network with the GMT Alumni. During the study tours the participants also have an opportunity to discuss possible leadership initiatives.
Participants take part in two consecutive annual Study Tours, with 12 new participants joining 12 returning participants each year.

Leadership Initiatives

Leadership initiatives can be described as events, programs or initiatives organised by GMT network members that facilitate exchange between Germany and Turkey. These initiatives are fundamental to the success of the GMT program as they allow the relationship to be strengthened between a larger group of individuals and at different levels of society.

The ICD is able to support these initiatives by offering consultation and guidance during development, by marketing and raising awareness amongst the ICD network, including young leaders of other programs, and the general public, and by offering logistical support to initiatives taking place in Berlin.

GMT Network

The GMT network consists of all individuals who have taken part in a GMT Study Tour. This group therefore includes both participants attending the forthcoming Study Tour, as well as those who have taken part in two Study Tours and are now part of the GMT alumni.

Network members are able to remain in contact with each other in many ways. In addition to regular events throughout the year in both Germany and Turkey, including the annual German-Turkish Week event in Berlin, GMT alumni members are invited to network with participants at the GMT Study Tours. The ICD sends out regular updates of activity to the entire GMT network and encourages and supports communication between the different members.

German-Turkish Week

Since 2009, The Institute for Cultural Diplomacy organises an annual German-Turkish Week, which is a weeklong series of events open to the general public in Berlin. The series serves as an opportunity to raise awareness of the Germany Meets Turkey program amongst politicians, diplomats, academics, civil society practitioners, young leaders, and the general public. The program includes lectures, panel discussions, film screenings, and musical performances that focus on the history, development and cultural influence of the German-Turkish Community. The ICD encourages the involvement of GMT network members in the organisation of events during the German-Turkish Week (for more information please click here)

Weeklong Seminars

From 2010 the ICD will run Weeklong Seminars, open to applications from everyone with an interest in exploring the bilateral relations further. The aim of the Seminar is to develop mutual understanding between the two countries through workshops, lectures and podium discussions, and to develop approaches to Turkish-German questions for which work with the other country is essential. Participation in a Seminar gives participants access to the ICD and GMT networks.