UN Global Compact

Koç University signed the United Nations Global Compact in 2007. The UN Global Compact is a strategic policy initiative created for institutions committed to carrying out all their operations and strategies in line with 10 universally accepted principles in the fields of human rights, labor, environment and anti-corruption. Thus, companies, which are the main drivers of globalization, can help markets, trade, technology and finance develop economies and societies everywhere.

GSVC

In 2011-2019, Koç University is an outreach partner of Global Social Venture Competition, GSVC. The GSVC is the largest and longest-running student-led business plan competition providing mentoring, exposure, and prizes for social ventures from around the world. The competition supports the creation of real businesses that bring about positive social change in a sustainable manner. The GSVC is organized by the Haas School of Business at UC Berkeley in cooperation with 6 Regional Partners and 3 Outreach Partners

Social Value International

SVI is an international professional body of social impact practitioners and professionals who create and share knowledge about social impact analysis. SVI’s members are passionately committed to developing more effective social purpose organizations and increasing positive social impact through their work.

Koç University Social Impact (KUSIF) is a SVI’s member since December, 2013.

International Sustainable Campus Network (ISCN)

Koç University is excited to join the International Sustainable Campus Network (ISCN) and participate in a global exchange between campus sustainability leaders to further best practices.

The International Sustainable Campus Network (ISCN) provides a global forum to support leading colleges, universities, and corporate campuses in the exchange of information, ideas, and best practices for achieving sustainable campus operations and integrating sustainability in research and teaching.

In 2009, the ISCN partnered with the Global University Leaders Forum (GULF), a World Economic Forum initiative bringing together the heads of 26 top global universities, to develop the Sustainable Campus Charter, which organizes campus sustainability into 3 core principles, requires a commitment at the highest level of the institution, and includes annual reporting on sustainability goals, initiatives, and performance.

To date, over 60 Members (status 2014) represent top-tier colleges and universities from 26 countries across the Americas, Europe, Asia, Africa and Australia.

“We are delighted to welcome Koç University into the ISCN and look forward to providing a platform for international value exchange and partnership on campus sustainability” says Bernd Kasemir, ISCN Program Manager.

In Fall 2014, Koç University established “Sustainable Campus Task Force” which aims to coordinate and support sustainability activities to enhance sustainability at Koç University.

Tadamon

Tadamon is an innovative and transformative partnership initiative by IsDB, ISFD & UNDP. Tadamon was born out of a need to map out the Civil Society landscape in OIC member countries and to better understand the needs of local communities and who are the people and organizations that are best in delivering solutions to local problems.

Koç University Social Impact Forum (KUSIF) became a member of Tadamon in 2020.

Euclid Network

Founded in 2007, Euclid Network has a strong track record of knowledge sharing, policy impact, and network-building in the civil society and social enterprise arenas. Our vision is to see civil society and social enterprise empowered to drive positive change.

Koç University Social Impact Forum (KUSIF) became a member of Euclid Network in November 2019.

Building A Social Entrepreneurship Network In Turkey

Turkey Social Entrepreneurship Network (TSEN) aims to provide the knowledge, connection, and visibility social entrepreneurs need, disseminate social enterprise in Turkey as an alternative solution to social and environmental problems and raise awareness about social entrepreneurship.

Funded by the European Union and the Republic of Turkey within the framework of Civil Society Sector – Grant Scheme for Partnerships and Networks, and conducted, with the leadership of Vehbi Koç Foundation, by Koç University Social Impact Forum, Ashoka Turkey, Social Innovation Initiative Association, Innovative Solutions for Sustainable Development Association, TED University, Mozaik Foundation (Bosnia Herzegovina) and Social Enterprise UK (England), the project’s aims to develop the social entrepreneurship ecosystem in Turkey. As for local contributions, Abdullah Gül University, Ankara Development Agency, Eastern Anatolia Development Agency, Silkroad Development Agency, Nilüfer Municipality, Middle Black Sea Regional Development Agency, and The Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey support the project as contributing partners. The Turkey Social Entrepreneurship Network Project started in October 2018 and will end in October 2020.