2025 NGO Fest themed "A Vision of Mutual Transformation Between Youth and NGOs"

Istanbul, October 23, 2025 — Organized under the leadership of The Union of NGOs of The Islamic World (UNIW) and The Turkish Volunteer Organizations Foundation (TGTV), STKFest 2025 was held on October 22-23 at Istanbul Sabahattin Zaim University's Halkalı Campus with the theme "Vision of Mutual Transformation." More than 30 NGOs and over 100 university student clubs participated in the event; approximately 15,000 young people visited the campus over the two days.

In the opening speech, it was emphasized that STKFEST was not just an event, but "the birth of a youth imbued with a sense of responsibility." Speakers stated, "This festival brings together the energy of youth with the conscience of civil society. Future leaders and today's pioneers meet here."

The speech, which drew attention to humanitarian crises in different parts of the world, touched upon the injustices ongoing in many regions, from Jerusalem to Gaza, from Arakan to East Turkistan. "The pain of Gaza is oupr ain. The prayer of a brother in East Turkistan is our responsibility. The heart of every young person gathered in this hall in Istanbul is the heart of this ummah," the speech stated, calling on young people to take a conscientious stance. "Civil society is the institutional form of conscience." The importance of civil society was also highlighted: "Civil society is the institutional form of conscience. Volunteers do what states cannot. The soul of a society lives in the hearts of its volunteers."

It was stated that the aim of NGO FEST is to encourage young people not only to become professionals but also to be good people, good volunteers, and good members of the ummah. "Be the voice of the oppressed, be the spokesperson of the voiceless." At the end of the event, participants were urged to "Be the voice of the oppressed, be the spokesperson of the voiceless, contribute to the search for justice in this era."The speech also drew attention to oppressed regions with statements such as, “For us, Jerusalem is a test of conscience, Gaza is the name of resistance, Arakan is the rebirth of patience, East Turkistan is the rebirth of identity, and Syria is the rebirth of hope.” “It is kind-hearted people who will change the future.”

At the end of the program, officials thanked all participants and shared the message, “We believe that it is not only strong ideas but also kind-hearted people who will change the future.” The event attracted significant interest from public institutions, private sector representatives, university students, and members of civil society organizations.