Bosphorus Summit kicks off in Istanbul

Local and international politicians, scientists and private sector stakeholders participated in the 8th Bosphorus Summit which began in Istanbul on Tuesday.

Speaking at the opening session of the three-day event, Turkey's Foreign Economic Relations Board Chairman Nail Olpak said: "If we really want the right solutions to our future, we must pay attention to humanitarian values."

Ali Kopuz, vice president of the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey (TOBB), said they were entering a new era.

"We are in a process where the global economy and political balances are changing. We are experiencing the pain of this change. We have to make good use of this change and take lessons from mistakes made in the past. Those who read the change well, will be the winner," he said.

He added that the countries which invest in energy, technology and food in the coming years will benefit.

A message from Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri was read at the event, which was organized by the International Cooperation Platform.

The theme for the event is "The Design of Future, The New Challenge of Globalization".