Following successes of the similar programs in Europe (Vienna and Geneva notably), the Istanbul-based International Organization along with its European (think-tank, academia, cultural diplomacy, and media) partners decided to launch the special executive program for the future leaders on its own.

Hence, by the Program’s launch – February this year, this format gathered participants of diverse professional backgrounds and varied geographies, including Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East – largely the emerging leaders from the government, international organizations, or industry. The Future Leaders Executive Program’s concept is rather simple: Participants are spending a whole day with top-level speakers – mainly the world leaders that shaped events of the past decades (two per month, last Friday-Saturday in month) in an open, Chatham House rules-based atmosphere, all situated within the historic premises of the city on two continents.

The program leg held end of May hosted H.E. Danilo Türk, former President of Slovenia and the closly considered candidate for the highest Un post – that of Secretary General. Professor of international law by training and profession, turned to top diplomat in New York, Excellency Türk held numerous prestigious national and international diplomatic (and political) positions in New York and Geneva.

 H.E. professor Türk has a rich profound career: Since 1975 he has been actively involved with Amnesty International and has acted as adviser in many cases involving human rights violations in the former Yugoslavia. From 1984 to 1992 he was an independent expert – member of the United Nations Sub-Commission on Prevention of Discrimination and Protection of Minorities. For the Sub-Commission he prepared a report on the right to freedom of opinion and expression and a series of reports on the realization of economic, social and cultural rights. In 1991 he was the Chairman of the Sub-Commission. In 1987 Dr Türk initiated and participated in the establishment of the Human Rights Council in Slovenia. The Council was established early in 1988. Dr Türk was the Vice-President of the Council. September 1991 to August 1992 he was a member of the Slovene delegation at the Conference on Yugoslavia. In August 1992 Dr Türk assumed the position of Ambassador of the Republic of Slovenia to the United Nations. He was President of the UN Security Council in August 1998 and in November 1999. On 11 November 2007 he was elected President of the Republic of Slovenia by 68,03% votes and was inaugurated in the National Assembly on 22 December 2007. His term of office ended after five years – on 22 December 2012. At present he has the status of Former President of the Republic of Slovenia.

The content reach day full of open and constructive exchanges was focused around the following chapters:  

1. Significance and practice of law basis and the human rights
2. Legal mindset among the legal procedures (highlighting the legal basis of UN)
3. Second world War –territorial change and how it affected the distribution of Slovenia, Post-cold War term and the formula that been practiced via Alma-Ata Agreement
4. 1998 Iraq Inspection
5. How to win campaign? –Local races, Debates, Tours at the country, Endurance 
6. Slovenian history by indicating the joint to the Yugoslavia
7. Political Issue on Water Crisis –Water Issue
8. International Criminal System
9. UN Security Council

As the event draw to a close, prof. Türk and President of ICYF, Taha AYHAN (as a principal host to the event) jointly expressed what all participants had already concluded throughout the day: that the Future Leaders Executive Program offers a unique setting. Two Presidents both agreed that this particular format – in which an established experience meets the new passions and drives through cross generational leaders’ talks – represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for emerging leaders from verities of environments: the state, intergovernmental, and corporate sectors of all meridians.

The day-long talks with Excellency Danilo Türk was an enlightening, farsighted and engaging experience for all who participated. It gave a lasting impression on the attendees and inked a top standard stamp for the Program’s forthcoming rounds.

The mesmerising ship of insights and wisdom gets a full swing sail once again for its semester closing in June. Its next fascinating port of call awaits before too long, with a President of the London-based International Liberals (and former Minister) Hakima el Haite, serving Prime Minister of Montenegro Dr. Dritan Abazovic, under-Secretary General of the UN and Rector of the Tokyo-based UN University, David M. Malone and Secretary-General of the ICCIA – Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture  end of June 2023.