Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey

In his speech here, Hisarcıklıoğlu emphasized that TOBB ETU students and graduates are a family and said, “I am happy to be with our graduates every year during Ramadan and to see our family growing exponentially. Thankfully this has become a tradition. This year we are together for the eleventh time. Institutions stand together with their traditions. TOBB ETU is the project I am most proud of.”

Hisarcıklıoğlu said: "Recently, a colleague of mine noticed and told me: “Mr. President, we go to so many cities and countries all over the world with you. You meet with Heads of State, government representatives and business people. But your eyes never shine like they do when you are together with students!” Very true! I say, “I am glad we established TOBB ETU in time.” Youth means innovation. Youth means change. Youth means energy. Youth means brand new horizons. I am a person who believes in youth very much. Youth is not the future, it is today. You are surrounded by people from all over the world. You were born in technology. This is your era.”

- Entrepreneurship means wealth

Pointing out that TOBB ETU is one of the most innovative universities in Türkiye, M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “You have been educated both in the classroom and in the field with the joint education model. You have been trained according to the priorities and needs of the Turkish business world. Look, as of this year, we have given 11,235 graduates, including master's and doctorate degrees. Our graduates have founded more than a thousand companies or started to take part in the management of existing companies. This is the most concrete proof that we are an entrepreneurial university. Why is entrepreneurship important, because entrepreneurship means wealth. Now anyone with a good idea and determination can become rich. We used to complain about bureaucracy, but thankfully we have bureaucrats from TOBB ETU. Now, when I go to the ministries, I see TOBB ETU graduates. Private sector friendly public administrators are very important for this country. Together with you, we have changed the mentality that sees business people as enemies.”

Hisarcıklıoğlu also shared his experiences and advice with TOBB ETU graduates.