The Istanbul Diplomatic Club: A Dynamic New Platform Uniting Diplomacy and Business

The inaugural meeting will center on international support for the reconstruction of Ukraine and Syria.

Co-founded by Mehmet Öğütçü and Kahraman Halisçelik, the Istanbul Diplomatic Club seeks to forge a vital bridge between diplomacy, business, finance, and media, capitalizing on Istanbul's strategic position and its role as an international business hub.

Under the leadership of Mehmet Öğütçü, a distinguished authority in international diplomacy, energy, and investment, serving as Chairman; and Kahraman Halisçelik, a seasoned professional in global diplomacy, intergovernmental organizations and international communications strategies, serving as Executive Director, the Club is poised to make a significant impact.

Inaugural Meeting: February 21, 2025

The inaugural meeting of the Istanbul Diplomatic Club will take place on February 21, 2025, in Istanbul. The agenda will focus on the critical roles of international diplomacy, business, finance, and technical support in the reconstruction efforts following the devastation in Ukraine and Syria, along with the formulation of emergency action plans. Participants will include diplomats from relevant countries, international business leaders, representatives from financial institutions, and technical experts. Contributions from organizations such as the UN, EU, World Bank, EBRD, Islamic Development Bank, commercial banks, and sovereign wealth funds are also anticipated.

Governance and Vision

The Istanbul Diplomatic Club is distinguished by its robust governance structure, comprised of influential figures with proven track records in diplomacy, business, and media.

Chairman Mehmet Öğütçü encapsulated the Club's vision as follows:“Istanbul’s geopolitical significance, rich historical legacy, and vibrant business environment position it as a global epicenter for diplomacy and commerce. At the Istanbul Diplomatic Club, our mission is to unite diplomacy and business through a results-driven approach, offering innovative solutions to pressing strategic issues, facilitating backchannel diplomacy, and fostering mutually beneficial business opportunities. This Club will be a premier platform where not only ideas but also concrete projects come to fruition.”

A former diplomat, Öğütçü has held pivotal roles at esteemed organizations including the OECD, IEA, British Gas, Invensys, Genel Energy, and Şişecam. He continues to serve on the boards of numerous international and Turkish companies, in addition to providing consultancy.

Kahraman Halisçelik: “Diplomacy and Business Must Collaborate”

Executive Director Kahraman Halisçelik underscored the Club’s importance: “Modern diplomacy transcends mere intergovernmental relations; the business sector, media, and civil society are integral to this evolving landscape. The Istanbul Diplomatic Club will serve as a distinctive platform where these diverse actors converge to collaborate.”

Former Director of Communications at Turkish Foreign Ministry and Press Advisor to former Foreign Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu, Halisçelik for many years represented Turkish public broadcaster TRT at UN headquarters in New York and until recently worked as Press Secretary at the Organization of Turkic States. Halisçelik remains an active participant in the business and non-governmental community.

Key Features of the Governance Model

Participatory and Transparent Governance: Representatives from diverse global regions, including Turkey, actively engage in decision-making processes across the realms of diplomacy, business, defense, and media.

Multisectoral Approach: The Club is committed to developing holistic solutions to global challenges through the insights and expertise of specialists from various sectors.

Empowering Young Leaders: The Club champions a forward-looking vision by welcoming new-generation diplomats, business leaders, and media representatives.

The Istanbul Diplomatic Club aspires to cultivate strategic partnerships with similar organizations that play significant roles on the international stage, fostering collaboration based on mutual benefit and synergy.


The Istanbul Diplomatic Club aims to emerge as an effective, independent, and productive entity not only within Turkey but also in addressing regional and global issues. Upcoming initiatives and projects in foreign policy, business, energy, defense, and investment will further solidify this vision.

Media Contact:Kahraman HalisçelikTel: +90 530 681 71 02