His Excellency, Prof. Dr. Lütfihak Alpkan, Deputy
Minister of Labor and Social Security of the Republic of Türkiye,

Prof. Dr. Islam Zabalawi, President of the Australian
University in Kuwait

Dr. Farid Abdullah, Dean of College of Business,

Associate Prof. Mehtap Özşahin, Chair of the 19^th
International Strategic Management Conference,

Esteemed Academicians
and Students,

Good morning.

I am pleased to be here with you today at the opening of the 19th
International Strategic Management Conference.

I thank the host for the Conference, Australian University in Kuwait,
the Chair of the 19^th ISMC (International
Strategic Management Conference) and co-organizers, the International Strategic
Management and Managers Association, Gebze Technical University and Yıldız
Teknik University of Türkiye, and CEDIMES/CEDIFIRM Network, for giving me the
opportunity to address such a distinguished audience.

My expertise is not in the area of Business. I am a political scientist
and a diplomat. However, as the Ambassador of Türkiye in Kuwait for the last
two and a half years, not only responsible from the administration of the 35
staff members working with me but also the conducting the multidimensional
relations between Türkiye and Kuwait, I believe the focus of the Conference, “Planning for Industry 5.0: Human-Centric,
Sustainable and Resilient Organizations” is highly relevant in today’s
challenges, not only faced by the business community only but also by the
members of the international community as a whole. Sustainability and
human-centric practices are key elements that are required to be taken into
consideration in any decision-making processes. Human-centric policies are also
one of the main pillars of the Turkish Foreign Policy which is clearly
demonstrated by Türkiye’s leading role in alleviating the humanitarian crisis
around the world.

In an increasingly interconnected world, the challenges we face are
complex and multifaceted. From climate change to global health crises, from
technological advancements to social inequalities, there is a plethora of
issues transcending borders and disciplines. It is within this context that
collaboration in science and education, sharing practices, engaging in mutual
conversations and storming our brains on how to address these challenges in the
best possible way and increasing understanding between different stakeholders become
not just beneficial, but essential.

Particularly in today’s world that is plunged in wars and conflicts over
resources, causing immense humanitarian suffering from Gaza to Lebanon and from
Sudan to Ukraine, we need more dialogue and interaction.

Therefore, this Conference that has been hold for 19 consecutive years
serves a good purpose, supporting the spirit of inquiry, the pursuit of
knowledge, and the collaborative efforts that drive our academic community forward.

This is a goal we also embrace in bilateral diplomacy. As we commemorate
the 60^th Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations
between Türkiye and Kuwait, forging connections between peoples, academicians,
universities, research institutes and scientific centers; promoting mutual
interactions and building synergies hold the key for the future of our
relations.

Without further ado, I applaud the organizers of this Conference for
taking this initiative. I wish you all a productive and inspiring Conference.

I thank you for your patience.