Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin - Department of Social Sciences

8th GET MA Alumni Conference in Ankara: Alumni & Experts Shaping the Future Together

From November 21 to 24, 2024, the 8th GET MA Alumni Conference took place in Ankara, bringing together over 40 alumni from more than 10 countries, from Afghanistan to the United States. This unique event fostered dialogue between leading international experts and GET MA alumni, highlighting their impact in academia, diplomacy, policy, and civil society.

A Network That Connects: Alumni and Experts in Dialogue

From planning to moderating discussions, GET MA alumni played a central role. Many panels and workshops were organized and led by alumni, while top scholars, senior diplomats, and experienced professionals provided valuable insights. This combination of academic excellence and practical expertise made the conference an unparalleled platform for knowledge-sharing and networking.

Conference Highlights: Alumni and Experts Driving Change

  • Security Policy & the “Zeitenwende” – Featuring Ambassador Ahmet Üzümcü (former OPCW Director-General), Minister Henning Simon (German Embassy, Ankara), and Prof. Dr. Serhat Güvenç (Kadir Has University), moderated by Cengiz Laux Himenez (GET MA Alumnus).
  • Germany’s Energy Future – Organized by Mavjuda Akramova-Ochs (GET MA Alumna), with insights from Prof. Löschel (University of Bochum) and Dr. Michael LaBelle (Central European University).
  • Fake News & Disinformation – Organized and moderated by Paul Schwenn (GET MA Alumnus), featuring Julia Ley (BR, #Faktenfuchs), Hilal Köylü (Deutsche Welle Türkiye), and Emre İlkan Saklıca (Teyit).
  • Migration & Social Change – Karam Yahya (GET MA Alumnus) led a distinguished panel with Dr. Besim Can Zırh (METU) and Dr. Murat Erdoğan (Ankara University).
  • Gender Activism in Afghanistan – Mariam Meetra (GET MA Alumna) shared her insights on the role of social media in feminist movements.

Workshops: Alumni Bringing Knowledge into Practice

Alumni also organized hands-on training sessions, including:

  • Mediation Techniques and Conflict Resolution, led by Dr. Esra Dilek (Özyeğin University).
  • Evidence-Based Advocacy & Policy Engagement, facilitated by Dr. Sevcan Tiftik (Hafıza Merkezi).

These interactive sessions demonstrated that GET MA is not just about academic excellence, but also about empowering graduates with practical tools to drive societal change.

A Strong Alumni Network: Shaping the Future Together

A key moment was the election of the new GET MA Alumni Steering Committee, organized by Özge Meral, Lisa Schwitalla, and Ali Dogan, ensuring continued collaboration and networking among alumni worldwide.

Conclusion: GET MA as a Gateway to Global Careers

The 8th GET MA Alumni Conference demonstrated what makes GET MA unique: an outstanding academic education, a powerful international network, and direct connections to leading experts worldwide.

For those passionate about international politics, diplomacy, and social change, GET MA offers not just a top-tier master's program but a vibrant community that opens doors and fosters careers.