The Istanbul Diplomatic Club aims to become a prestigious institution at the nexus of diplomacy and international business, offering a dynamic platform for fostering global dialogue, building strategic partnerships, and addressing the critical national and regional issues that shape the world today. 

Co-founded by Mehmet Öğütçü and Kahraman Halisçelik, two seasoned professionals in the diplomatic and business arenas, the Club will serve as a space for high-level exchanges, collaboration, and intellectual engagement.

By uniting the diplomatic and business communities under one roof, the Istanbul Diplomatic Club will create an environment where political and economic leaders can address key global challenges, foster synergies, and transcend traditional national boundaries to build lasting, cross-border solutions.

Mission Statement

The Istanbul Diplomatic Club seeks to provide a premier forum for meaningful dialogue between diplomats, business leaders, academics, and thought leaders. Its mission is to shape the future of international relations, trade, energy, and economic development while addressing key regional and global challenges. 

The Club aims to bridge the gap between diplomacy and business, facilitating collaborations that tackle complex issues, such as Turkish national interests, energy security, climate change, and economic growth, in a holistic and forward-thinking manner.

Objectives

1. Diplomatic Engagement
 To create a platform for diplomats to engage in informal yet impactful dialogues on critical geopolitical and economic issues, enhancing mutual understanding, and strengthening diplomatic relations. While the Club will focus on Turkish affairs, it will also explore broader regional and international political dynamics, especially as they intersect with Turkey's strategic interests in energy, investment, and climate change.

2. Business Diplomacy 
To offer a space where business leaders can interact directly with diplomats to advance economic diplomacy, foster trade relations, and identify opportunities for sustainable business development. The Club will seek to strengthen the connection between the political and commercial spheres, helping to shape a future where both can collaborate to address shared challenges.

3. Networking and Strategic Partnerships
 To facilitate the development of meaningful relationships among diplomats, entrepreneurs, business leaders, and policymakers, enabling them to explore strategic partnerships, investment opportunities, and joint ventures to address key global and regional issues. This will include engagement with Turkish leaders in the fields of finance, tourism, business, technology, and energy.

4. Cultural Diplomacy and Soft Power
 To emphasize the importance of cultural diplomacy in fostering global peace and cooperation. Through events that showcase Turkish and global art, culture, and social initiatives, the Club will highlight how cultural engagement can enhance soft power, build mutual respect, and facilitate international dialogue.

5. Thought Leadership 
To position the Istanbul Diplomatic Club as a center for intellectual engagement and thought leadership. The Club will be a hub for exploring emerging trends in global security, economic cooperation, investment, energy, climate change, and social development, providing a space for innovative ideas to emerge and inform policymaking and business strategies.

Core Activities and Initiatives

1. Roundtable Discussions and Briefings
 Monthly roundtables will bring together diplomats, thought leaders, business executives, and policymakers to discuss urgent geopolitical and economic issues, such as energy security, Turkish foreign policy, investment strategies, climate change, and the evolving landscape of global trade.

2. Networking Events and Social Gatherings
 The Club will host exclusive networking events, cocktail receptions, and gala dinners that allow members to engage in informal settings, fostering collaboration across diplomatic, business, and cultural sectors. These events will facilitate relationship-building and encourage partnership opportunities in a relaxed and open environment.

3. Business Diplomatic Missions 
Curated delegations of diplomats and business leaders will visit strategic international markets to promote bilateral relations and cooperation, advancing Turkey's position in global trade while uncovering new business opportunities and facilitating investment flows.

4. Training and Professional Development Programs
 The Club will offer training programs aimed at enhancing the skills of diplomats and business professionals. Courses and workshops will focus on critical areas such as negotiation, conflict resolution, international law, business diplomacy, energy policy, and sustainable development.

5. Cultural Diplomacy Initiatives 
The Club will host art exhibitions, film screenings, performances, and cultural exchanges to foster a deeper understanding of how culture plays a role in global diplomacy. These programs will provide a platform for leaders to explore the intersections of culture, diplomacy, and international relations.

6. Annual Istanbul Diplomatic Forum
 A flagship event that will bring together world leaders, diplomats, business executives, policymakers, and academics to discuss the most pressing global challenges. The Forum will address issues such as global security, energy policy, economic cooperation, and climate change, offering a platform for new ideas and collaborations.

Key Focus Areas

1. Turkish Diplomacy and Realpolitics
 Central to the Club’s activities will be a focus on Turkey’s evolving role in international diplomacy, particularly as it pertains to strategic relations with neighboring countries, energy policies, and Turkey's involvement in global security frameworks.

2. Energy and Climate Change 
Given Turkey's role as a crucial energy hub bridging Europe, the Middle East, and Central Asia, the Club will dedicate significant attention to energy diplomacy, sustainable energy solutions, and Turkey's position in global climate change discussions.

3. Business, Investment, and Economic Cooperation
 Fostering direct engagement between business leaders and diplomats will create opportunities to drive investment and trade, helping Turkey enhance its economic standing while identifying new opportunities for cross-border collaborations.

4. Cultural and Arts Engagement
 The Club will promote Turkey’s rich cultural heritage through art exhibitions, musical performances, and other cultural events that showcase the country’s influence in the global cultural arena.

5. Track-II Diplomacy
 The Istanbul Diplomatic Club will provide a discreet venue for Track-II diplomacy, offering a private setting for diplomats, business leaders, and other influential figures to engage in candid discussions on sensitive issues, explore potential solutions, and build relationships in an informal yet impactful way.

Target Audience

1. Diplomats
, Ambassadors, consuls, and diplomatic staff from foreign missions in Turkey, as well as officials from international organizations, will form a core part of the membership.

2. Business Leaders
, CEOs, senior executives, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders across sectors such as energy, finance, tourism, technology, and trade, particularly those engaged with Turkey and the broader region.

3. Academics and Policy Experts, 
Scholars, economists, researchers, and thought leaders specializing in international relations, business diplomacy, energy, climate change, and Turkish affairs.

4. Government Representatives
, Ministers, policymakers, and senior officials from Turkey and beyond who shape foreign policy, economic strategies, and international cooperation.

5. International Organizations and NGOs
, Representatives from organizations focused on human rights, sustainable development, and global security will be key contributors to the Club’s agenda.

Membership Structure

The Istanbul Diplomatic Club will offer several membership categories to accommodate diverse levels of engagement:

1. Full Membership 
Reserved for high-ranking diplomats, senior business leaders, and government officials who actively participate in the Club’s initiatives and contribute to its strategic goals.

2. Associate Membership
 for mid-level professionals, entrepreneurs, and academics who are interested in engaging with the diplomatic and business communities and participating in selected events.

3. Honorary Membership
 Offered to distinguished individuals in the fields of diplomacy, business, culture, or academia who have made significant contributions to global development and international relations.

4. Corporate Membership 
Available to multinational corporations seeking to deepen their engagement with the diplomatic community and participate in exclusive Club events.

Governance and Leadership

The Istanbul Diplomatic Club will be governed by a distinguished board of directors, comprising prominent diplomats, business leaders, and experts in international relations. Mehmet Öğütçü will serve as Chairman, and Kahraman Halisçelik as Executive Director, guiding the Club’s overall vision and strategic direction. There will also be an advisory board.

An executive team will be responsible for managing day-to-day operations, including event coordination, member relations, communications, and financial oversight.

Sustainability and Funding

The Club will generate revenue through:
1. Membership Fees 
Annual dues from individual and corporate members, granting access to exclusive events, forums, and activities.

2. Event Sponsorship
 Strategic partnerships with both private and public organizations interested in sponsoring high-profile events, conferences, and diplomatic gatherings.

3. Corporate Partnerships
 Collaboration with global corporations and institutions, especially those with interests in Turkey and the surrounding regions.

4. Grants and Donations
 Securing funding from international organizations, foundations, and government entities that support initiatives aligned with the Club’s mission.

Conclusion

The Istanbul Diplomatic Club represents a groundbreaking initiative to reshape the relationship between diplomacy and business, creating a forum for collaboration, dialogue, and global solutions. By positioning Istanbul as a hub for diplomatic and business engagement, the Club will serve as a platform for strategic partnerships that address key issues such as energy, climate change, investment, and cultural diplomacy.

The Club will be uniquely positioned to drive positive change and innovation, making a lasting impact on Turkey’s global standing and fostering international cooperation.