Ladies and gentlemen,

Since the establishment of the World Turkish Business Council (DTİK) in the United Kingdom, we have had the privilege of hosting various events. Previously, we gathered with Turkish technology entrepreneurs, and today, we are coming together to discuss the role of AI in economic activities, with a specific focus on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). I would like to extend my gratitude to the distinguished panelists and TBCCI for co-hosting today’s event.

We are at a breaking point in history. Many people compare the era we are living through to the Industrial Revolution. I believe this will even be a more disruptive era. The speed at which this process is advancing is evident to all of us.

Those who adapt to this change will see significant advantages, while those who fall behind will find themselves facing substantial gaps. The world will probably be divided into two widely separate digital zones.

We will witness this disparity across all areas of life: from academia to culture, from public services to trade, from investments to finance. Just recently we heard that in the UAE, AI might begin making decisions even in legal cases.

We are on the brink of facing a new reality—one in which decisions are made for us, where our choices and preferences are probably dictated by AI. We may even reach a point where AI will be marketing to other AIs.

There is currently a divide in how AI is governed. Europe advocates for more regulation, while the U.S. remains focused on innovation. Indeed, last week, during the AI summit led by France, 58 participants signed the final declaration, but the U.S. and the UK chose not to.

Both Türkiye and the UK are aware of this historic turning point, and together, we are exploring ways to collaborate. Last month, we held a Science and Innovation Week in Ankara to further strengthen the ties between our two countries. A large number of Turkish startups continue to come to London, seeking partnerships, and we are witnessing the rise of Türkiye’s presence in tech hubs abroad. Our technoparks are now beginning to establish a footprint here in the UK.

Türkiye’s advantages in this area include a young, dynamic talent pool, strong governmental support, a commitment to digitalisation in both the public and private sectors, and close relationships between Turkish entrepreneurs and global innovation centers like Silicon Valley and London.

The Turkish diaspora here in the UK plays an essential role in these developments, serving as a bridge between both cultures. As entrepreneurs who understand both the UK and Turkish business landscapes, they are helping strengthen the ties between our two nations.

I believe that today’s gathering will contribute significantly to raising awareness of AI in Türkiye and will facilitate the sharing of best practices between our two countries.

I would like to express my thanks to DTİK and TBCCI for organizing this event. I also extend my gratitude to the panelists, and I look forward to the discussions ahead.

Thank you.