CIFAL Istanbul

What CIFAL Istanbul does

CIFAL Istanbul (International Training Center for Authorities and Leaders) is a non-profit training and capacity-development organization established in June 2019 through a partnership between the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) and Bahçeşehir University, operating under UNITAR's Social Development Programme. The center is one of 31 units in the CIFAL Global Network and the only one globally with a dedicated youth platform (launched December 2021). Its core function is to advance the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by delivering certified training programs, workshops, seminars, and international summits to government officials, academics, NGOs, private-sector representatives, students, and civil society leaders across Türkiye and the wider region.

The product portfolio combines named flagship programmes (Equal Opportunity in Technology with Yapı Kredi targeting 80,000 women; Bir Sen Bir Gelecek 21st Century Leadership Journey reaching 1,000+ students across 45 provinces; Enerjisa A Better and Sustainable Future course; STEP Ambassadors Development Journey for Yapı Kredi employees) with thematic training modules in Sustainability, Public Policy and Governance, Peace and Security, Environment and Climate Change, and Technology and Innovation. Delivery infrastructure spans face-to-face sessions at four Bahçeşehir University campuses (Main, South, North, Galata), the BAUGO Online Platform for digital courses, and international conference settings including COP29 and Global Youth Summit for Sustainability 2026.

The business model is non-commercial: all training is provided free of charge to participants, with UNITAR-accredited certificates issued on completion. Programmatic funding flows through UNITAR programmatic support, Bahçeşehir University in-kind hosting, and corporate social-investment partnerships (Yapı Kredi, Enerjisa, Zeren Group Holding), supplemented by collaborations with UN agencies (FAO Türkiye), government bodies (Governorship of Istanbul, municipalities), and international organizations (Rotary Peace Center, YCDP, Zero Waste Foundation). The 9-person team operates as a program-management and convening organization rather than a software or product business.

Name

CIFAL Istanbul

Legal name

CIFAL Istanbul (International Training Center for Authorities and Leaders)

Website

https://cifalistanbul.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2019

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

CIFAL Istanbul is a UN-affiliated non-profit training center established in 2019 under UNITAR's Social Development Programme in partnership with Bahçeşehir University, delivering free SDG-certified capacity-building programs to government officials, private sector, academia, youth, and civil society across Türkiye.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Professional Training and Capacity Development

NAICS

Professional and Management Development Training (611430), Educational Services (611), Educational Support Services (611710)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Short-Term Certificate & Micro-Credential Programs (International) (EDAIAIAI)

akta.pro secondary industry

Professional & Executive Short Courses (Non-Degree, International) (EDAIAIAH)

Keywords

• Capacity development training
• Sustainable development education
• SDG training programs
• Leadership development training
• Professional certification courses

Headquarters

HQ city

Istanbul

HQ country

Türkiye

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Training and Capacity Development Services: CIFAL Istanbul operates as a non-profit international training center under UNITAR's Social Development Programme. The center generates revenue through training programs, certificate courses, and capacity-building services for public and private sector leaders, delivered in partnership with academic institutions, government bodies, and private sector organizations. Programs include certified trainings, asynchronous modules, workshops, and educational events that strengthen capacities on the UN SDGs.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

CIFAL Istanbul delivers non-profit capacity-building training programs and certificate courses aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, targeting government officials, academics, NGOs, private sector representatives, and students/youth. Programs are offered through face-to-face sessions at Bahçeşehir University campuses, asynchronous and live online modules via the BAUGO Online Platform, and hybrid formats, with UNITAR-accredited certifications awarded upon completion. Named training initiatives include Equal Opportunity in Technology, At the Edge of New Era leadership program, Enerjisa sustainability course, and STEP Ambassadors Development Journey.

Product overview

CIFAL Istanbul is a United Nations-affiliated International Training Center for Authorities and Leaders operating under UNITAR's Social Development Program in partnership with Bahçeşehir University. Rather than a software product company, it offers a portfolio of capacity-building programs and training initiatives. The core offerings include named training programs (Equal Opportunity in Technology, At the Edge of New Era/Bir Sen Bir Gelecek Leadership Journey, Enerjisa: A Better and Sustainable Future, STEP Ambassadors Development Journey), the CIFAL Istanbul Youth Platform for youth engagement, and thematic training modules covering Sustainability, Public Policy and Governance, Peace and Security, Environment and Climate Change, and Technology and Innovation. The BAUGO Online Platform serves as the digital learning infrastructure for program delivery.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• CIFAL Istanbul Youth Platform: A special youth structure under CIFAL Istanbul launched in December 2021 that provides a unique environment for young people to realize their innovative ideas and create solutions to global problems, while strengthening knowledge and experience sharing through bridges with national and international stakeholders.

Products and services

• Equal Opportunity in Technology A technology education initiative designed to empower young women throughout Türkiye through free training on big data, artificial intelligence, cloud technologies, cybersecurity, Internet of Things, and Industry 5.0. Delivered via the BAUGO Online Platform with UNITAR-accredited certification upon completion. Aimed at women aged 18-27 with a target of reaching 80,000 participants in three years.
• At the Edge of New Era: 21st Century Leadership Journey Training Programme (Bir Sen Bir Gelecek) A six-month leadership development program delivered in collaboration with Zeren Group Holding, CIFAL Istanbul, UNITAR, and Bahçeşehir University. Structured around four modules: Communication, Technology, Sustainability, and Leadership. Features 10 live online sessions and 19 asynchronous courses. Has reached over 1,000 students from 93 educational institutions across 45 provinces of Türkiye.
• Enerjisa: A Better and Sustainable Future A fourteen-week interdisciplinary sustainability course conducted in partnership with Enerjisa Enerji, CIFAL Istanbul, UNITAR, and Bahçeşehir University. Addresses sustainability, energy efficiency, corporate sustainability, social impact, sustainability communication, artificial intelligence, digital transformation, green finance, sustainable consumption, and next-generation skills. Targeted at university students.
• STEP Ambassadors Development Journey A sustainability literacy training program for Yapı Kredi Bank employees conducted via the Webex platform. A 16-session curriculum delivered three times weekly is designed to increase sustainability vision and knowledge of Sustainable Development Goals, creating internal sustainability ambassadors at the partner bank.
• CIFAL Istanbul Youth Platform A unique youth engagement structure operating under UNITAR at Bahçeşehir University, exclusively within CIFAL Istanbul and the only such structure among the 31 CIFAL centres globally. Raises youth awareness of Sustainable Development Goals, encourages idea development, and supports youth-led project creation through student-club collaborations, field trips, seminars, and workshops.
• SME Sustainability Transformation Program Sustainability training for small and medium enterprises delivered in partnership with TÜBİTAK MAM (which provides technical expertise), Zafer Development Agency (which provides regional coordination in Manisa), Celal Bayar University (which provides the venue and student participation), CIFAL Istanbul, and UNITAR. Designed to build sustainability capacity within SMEs in regional Türkiye.
• Sustainability Learning A thematic training offering covering SDG Learning, Sustainability, ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance), Leadership, Partnerships, Sustainable Finance, Sustainable Sourcing, Impact Sourcing, Development Cooperation, Regional Cooperation, International Organizations, Development Studies, and Global Citizenship. Targeted at government officials, private sector representatives, and civil-society leaders.
• Public Policy and Governance Training A thematic training offering covering Governance, Monitoring and Evaluation, Data Collection, Project Management, Public Accountability, Anti-corruption, Disaster Risk Reduction, Risk Management, Diplomacy, International Relations, Emergency Management, Knowledge Management, Civic Engagement, Municipal Revenue Management, and Local Government. Targeted at government officials, diplomats, and civil servants.
• Peace and Security Training A thematic training offering focused on Peace, Security, Transnational Organized Crime, and Drugs and Crime topics. Targeted at policy practitioners, peacebuilders (including Rotary Peace Fellows at the Otto & Fran Walter Rotary Peace Center hosted by Bahçeşehir University), and government officials.
• Environment and Climate Change Training A thematic training offering covering Green Economy, Oceans and Seas, Water, Climate Change, Environmental Legislation and Policy, Environmental Management, Reforestation, Energy, Decarbonization, Carbon Neutrality, and Circular Economy. Targeted at government officials, corporate sustainability teams, and civil-society climate practitioners.
• Technology and Innovation Training A thematic training offering covering Innovation, Technology, Artificial Intelligence, STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics), Digital Economy, Digital Transformation, ICT, Intelligent Manufacturing (Industry 4.0), Big Data Analysis, Digital Skills, Digital Governance and Cybersecurity, Information Security, Transgenics, and Digitalization. Targeted at students, young professionals, and corporate employees seeking digital upskilling.
• Capacity for 2030 Agenda A center-wide commitment and structured program equipping local authorities, government officials, and urban planners with knowledge and skills to integrate UN Sustainable Development Goals into decision-making and urban planning processes through training programs, workshops, and knowledge-sharing initiatives.

Named customers3 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

25 partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship and minor.

• United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 June 2019Founding institutional partner and parent organization. CIFAL Istanbul operates under UNITAR's Social Development Programme. UNITAR provides the international framework, training methodologies, and accreditation for programs. The center is coordinated by UNITAR's Social Development Programme and part of the CIFAL Global Network.
• Bahçeşehir University (BAU)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 June 2019Founding academic partner and host institution. Bahçeşehir University provides physical facilities, academic expertise, administrative support, and student access. The university hosts CIFAL Istanbul at its campus and contributes faculty for training programs.
• Youth Center for Dialogue and Peace (YCDP)flagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborating organization for the Global Youth Summit for Sustainability 2026. YCDP organizes youth-focused events and programs in collaboration with CIFAL Istanbul, UNITAR, and Bahçeşehir University.
• Zeren Group HoldingflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerSocial investment partner for the 'At the Edge of New Era: 21st Century Leadership Journey Training Programme' (Bir Sen Bir Gelecek). The program has reached over 1,000 students across 45 provinces of Türkiye through certified trainings and workshops.
• Yapı KrediflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerLead partner for the 'Equal Opportunity in Technology' project aiming to reach 80,000 women in three years. Yapı Kredi provides funding, Yapı Kredi Academy delivers training, and participates in certificate issuance alongside UNITAR and BAU.
• EnerjisaflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerCorporate partner for 'Enerjisa: A Better and Sustainable Future' course delivered in partnership with CIFAL Istanbul, UNITAR, and Bahçeşehir University. The 14-week program covers sustainability, energy efficiency, corporate sustainability, and social impact.
• Zero Waste FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner for Istanbul Zero Waste Week activities including underwater cleanup in the Bosphorus, zero-waste recipes workshop, and zero-waste fashion event. Activities held under the auspices of the Zero Waste Foundation and Governorship of Istanbul.
• FAO TürkiyecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLong-standing partnership with Food and Agriculture Organization Türkiye focusing on food security, sustainable agriculture, and gender equality in agricultural communities. Discussions ongoing for regenerative agriculture practices and women's agricultural cooperatives support.
• Yanındayız AssociationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFormalized institutional collaboration protocol for gender equality and human dignity. Joint activities include seminars on dating violence, gender-sensitive approaches, and awareness campaigns promoting SDG 5 (Gender Equality) and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions).
• Bright Futures FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner for earthquake relief and recovery efforts in Malatya. Joint activities include educational workshops, science activities, seed ball workshops, and book donations to support earthquake-affected children and communities.
• Governorship of IstanbulcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGovernment partner for Istanbul Zero Waste Week and other civic initiatives. The Governorship provides institutional support and auspices for major environmental and social programs.
• Malatya Metropolitan MunicipalityminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal government partner for earthquake recovery efforts in Malatya. CIFAL Istanbul team visited to discuss sustainable reconstruction of schools and future educational collaborations.
• İBB Institute İstanbul İSMEKminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLifelong learning institution partnership for SDG education and training cooperation. Plans to share 'Equal Opportunity in Technology' project on IBB Lifelong Learning Platforms.
• İBB Lifelong Learning Division DirectorateminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for lifelong learning initiatives focused on SDGs and sustainable development. Collaboration on projects supporting social solidarity through local stakeholder engagement.
• TÜBİTAKcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTechnology and scientific research partner for SME Sustainability Transformation Program. TÜBİTAK MAM provides technical expertise for sustainability training delivered in partnership with CIFAL Istanbul, UNITAR, and Zafer Development Agency.
• Zafer Development AgencycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegional development partner for SME Sustainability Transformation Program in Manisa, Türkiye. Provides local coordination and support for sustainability training targeting small and medium enterprises.
• Celal Bayar UniversityminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademic partner for SME Sustainability Transformation Program providing venue and student participation for sustainability training initiatives.
• European Neighborhood Council (ENC)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational policy institute partnership with Bahçeşehir University for joint events, trainings, lectures, seminars, and conferences. Includes expert exchanges, internships, and joint research projects.
• DarüşşafakaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEducational institution partner for CO-OP Responsibility Program delivering sustainability and climate education to high school students through interactive sessions.
• TOSAMminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborative partner for 'SDGs and Beyond' roundtable discussions on challenges and opportunities for the SDGs after 2030, held in collaboration with Faculty of Law.
• Rotary International - Otto & Fran Walter Rotary Peace CentercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPeacebuilding initiative at Bahçeşehir University for MENA region peacebuilders. CIFAL Istanbul provides academic studies, field visits, seminars, and workshops for Rotary Peace Fellowship program participants.
• Yapı Kredi Banking AcademyflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner for STEP Ambassadors Development Journey providing sustainability literacy training to Yapı Kredi Bank employees. 16-session curriculum delivered via Webex platform to create sustainability-focused ambassadors.
• FAO Regional Office for Europe and Central AsiacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegional partner for SAVE FOOD initiative and bio-based packaging student challenge. Joint project with Messe Düsseldorf GmbH enabling student teams to present at Interpack Trade Fair in Düsseldorf.
• Messe Düsseldorf GmbHminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerTrade fair organizer partner for student packaging innovation competition culminating in presentations at Interpack Trade Fair, Europe's largest packaging exhibition.
• CIFAL Global NetworkcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGlobal network of 31 UNITAR-affiliated training centres across Africa, Asia, Europe, Australia, and the Americas. Provides international platform for knowledge exchange, City-to-City partnerships, and multi-stakeholder collaboration on sustainable development.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• UNDESA (UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs): Supports governments in implementing the 2030 Agenda through capacity development, similar to CIFAL Istanbul's mandate. Operates at a larger policy and convening level with overlapping audiences (government officials working on SDGs), but does not run localized training centres of the same kind.
• UNITAR (United Nations Institute for Training and Research): Parent organization headquartered in Geneva providing training, research, and capacity-building services to UN member states. UNITAR is the broader incumbent in international institutional training, setting methodologies and accreditations that CIFAL Istanbul localizes at country level.

Regional players

• FAO Türkiye: Long-standing CIFAL Istanbul partner focused on food security, sustainable agriculture, and gender equality. Operates regional training and capacity-building initiatives in Türkiye addressing similar SDG themes (SDG 2, SDG 5), and shares audience with CIFAL Istanbul through joint programming.
• UNDP Türkiye: UNDP's country office in Türkiye runs capacity-building, sustainable development, and governance programmes with government and private-sector partners. Comparable in mission and stakeholder mix (government, private sector, civil society) and in operating geography, but focuses on programmatic project delivery rather than structured training with UNITAR-accredited certificates.

Emerging players

• Rotary Peace Center (Bahçeşehir University): Co-located peacebuilding programme at Bahçeşehir University where CIFAL Istanbul contributes seminars and workshops. Comparable in delivering international, certificate-bearing training to mid-career professionals on peace, governance, and development.
• TÜBİTAK MAM (The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Türkiye, Marmara Research Center): Partner of CIFAL Istanbul for the SME Sustainability Transformation Program, providing technical expertise on sustainability training. Comparable as a domestic training/research provider contributing to ESG and sustainability capacity building for Turkish SMEs and institutions.

Direct peers

• CIFAL Global Network (UNITAR): The parent UNITAR/CIFAL Global Network coordinates 31 affiliated training centres delivering SDG capacity building worldwide. CIFAL Istanbul operates within this network using identical branding, methodologies, and UNITAR accreditation, making it directly comparable to sister centres such as CIFAL Geneva, CIFAL Singapore, or CIFAL Melbourne.
• Bahçeşehir University (BAU) – Center for Social Impact and Responsibility: Host institution that provides faculty, students, venues, and administrative resources for CIFAL Istanbul's programmes. The university's own Center for Social Impact and Responsibility (directed by Prof. Çisil Sohodol, who also directs CIFAL Istanbul) overlaps substantially in training offerings on sustainability and governance.
• Yapı Kredi Academy: Corporate training arm of Yapı Kredi Bank delivering the 'Equal Opportunity in Technology' and STEP Ambassadors programmes together with CIFAL Istanbul. Compares as a peer training provider in Türkiye serving large-scale cohorts on technology, sustainability, and professional skills.

Others

• European Neighborhood Council (ENC): International policy think tank partnered with Bahçeşehir University for joint events, expert exchanges, and research projects feeding into CIFAL Istanbul's programming. Functions as an ecosystem partner in policy dialogue rather than a direct training competitor.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/cifalistanbul

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles11 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about CIFAL Istanbul