The American Turkish Women’s Association (ATKB) and Istanbul Aydın University will hold a conference bringing together women’s leadership and global education diplomacy in New York on Saturday, September 26, 2026. The program is scheduled to begin at 11:00 and will take place at the New York Atatürk School Conference Hall, located at 411 E 76th Street, New York, NY 10021.
The conference, titled “Global Education and Diplomacy Led by Women,” will focus on education diplomacy, women’s leadership, academic development and global impact. It will address not only women’s representation in professional life but also their visibility in academic careers, international relations and efforts to contribute to global challenges.
A program focused on academia and diplomacy
The keynote speaker will be Prof. Dr. Mustafa Aydın, President of Istanbul Aydın University. Ece Yenigün, who is pursuing a master’s degree in Global Affairs at New York University, will also attend the conference. The event will bring together university administration, academic development and young women’s engagement with global issues.
As part of the conference, plans call for support to be provided to 10 successful women leaders under the name “Mustafa Aydın Women’s Leadership Doctoral Scholarship.” Details regarding the scholarship’s final budget, application requirements, selection schedule and provider institution have not yet been finalized. The scholarship component is therefore presented as a plan to support women in higher education and academic careers.
The history of ATKB and the New York Atatürk School
ATKB has been active in New York since 1958 in the areas of the Turkish language, culture, education and women’s solidarity. Its areas of work include empowering women, supporting young people and preserving Turkish culture. The New York Atatürk School has focused on Turkish-language and cultural identity education since 1971.
The conference is planned as a new example of ATKB’s work addressing women’s rights, social equality, education and the future of young people together. The organization also raised issues including women’s rights, women’s leadership, social equality and sustainable development at its International Women’s Day program held at the New York Turkevi on March 7, 2026.
