The 4th Istanbul Education Conference initiated a vital dialogue on key issues in the education sector, focusing on 21st-century skills and the implementation of a new skills-based curriculum. This comprehensive discussion about Turkey’s educational future brought together educators, researchers, policymakers, and international education experts.

The conference centered on the importance of 21st-century skills as essential tools for transforming Turkey’s education system and preparing future generations for success in all aspects of life. Opening remarks were delivered by Attorney Ahmet Sait Öner, Chairman of the İLKE Foundation; Ömer Faruk Yelkenci, Deputy Minister of National Education; Prof. Dr. Cihad Demirli, Head of the Ministry of Education’s Board of Education and Discipline; and Prof. Dr. İrfan Erdoğan, Dean of Boğaziçi University’s Faculty of Education.

Deputy Minister Yelkenci elaborated on the development and unique features of Turkey's Century Maarif Model, highlighting its holistic approach, which integrates physical, cognitive, moral, and emotional development.

Following the opening session, distinguished speakers such as Andreas Schleicher, Director of Education and Skills at the OECD; Bassem Nasir, Skills Education Specialist at UNICEF; Prof. Dr. Mehmet Taşpınar from the Ministry of Education’s Board of Education; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mustafa Öztürk, Vice Dean of Boğaziçi University’s Faculty of Education; and Prof. Dr. İbrahim Aşlamacı from İnönü University, provided in-depth analyses of skills-based education on both global and Turkish scales.

The conference concluded with a closing address by Prof. Dr. Nihat Erdoğmuş, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the İLKE Foundation, summarizing key insights and reaffirming the urgency of adapting education to meet the evolving challenges of the contemporary world.