FAQs

Monday 16 June

10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Check-in and badge collection

12:00 PM – 5:00 PM Exhibition open

1:00 PM – 5:30 PM Sustainability partner events*

*Please attend only if you have saved a seat in advance.

Tuesday 17 June

7:30 AM – 8:55 AM Check-in and badge collection

8:55 AM – 10:40 AM Official opening ceremony and keynotes

10:40 AM - 11:00 AM Exclusive live reveal of the THE Impact Rankings 2025

11:30 AM – 5:00 PM Core track sessions

Wednesday 18 June

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM Check-in and badge collection

9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Exhibition open

Thursday 19 June

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM Check-in and badge collection

9:00 AM – 3:30 PM Exhibition open

You will need the QR code from your event ticket to print your badge at the kiosks.

We recommend saving a screenshot of your QR code and ticket number to your phone before travelling in case of any connectivity issues at the venue to ensure a smooth check-in.

Your event ticket was sent by email with the subject line: Ticket confirmation | Global Sustainable Development Congress 2025. If you are having trouble locating the email, please check your spam folder or email gsdc@timeshighereducation.com so we can resend a copy of the email.

You can also access your QR code by downloading the event app and logging in with the email address you used to book your ticket.

Your badge will display the name, job title and organisation details you provided when booking your ticket. If you need to make changes to these details, please contact us as soon as possible.

What does my ticket include?
Your ticket grants you access to sessions and the exhibition hall from 10:00 on 16 June through to the end of the event at 17:00 on 19 June. Please note that travel, accommodation and meal arrangements are not included, so you will need to organise these at your own expense.

How do I save a seat for sessions with limited capacity?
Saving a seat is now available for sessions with limited capacity. You can either use the login button in your ticket confirmation email or download the event app on your phone to log in to the agenda. From the agenda, use the "save a seat" icon.

Make the most of your time at the Congress by planning which sessions you’d like to attend in advance.

1. Head to the agenda page via this link or access it through the event app. Log in using the email address this message was sent to.

2. Browse the agenda and tap the ★ icon next to any sessions you'd like to favourite.

3. Sessions with limited capacity are marked with a seat icon. To secure your spot, click the icon and select ‘Save a seat’ – only those who have done so in advance will be admitted to these sessions. View all our limited capacity sessions here.

4. All your selected sessions will appear under the "My Registered Sessions" tab at the top of the agenda.

Please note: Favouriting a session or saving a seat does not guarantee entry if you arrive late. We recommend arriving at least 5-10 minutes before the session begins to avoid disappointment.

Some delegates will need a visa to enter Türkiye. Please read the information on our Location and travel information page to see if you are exempt or need to apply for the e-visa or consular visa.

Download the event app to have all the information you need at your fingertips.

• Access your ticket information and QR code
• View the up-to-date agenda
• Connect with other delegates
• Create a personalised agenda
• View our partners and exhibitors

1. Head to the App Store or Google Play and search for Times Higher Education Events.

2. Log in using the email address you used to receive this email and click “confirm with magic link” to verify.

3. Return to the THE Events app and select Global Sustainable Development Congress.

4. Turn on notifications to receive important messages and updates during the event.

What is the dress code?
We ask our delegates to wear conservative attire. Regular western business or business casual clothes are suitable.

Where can I eat?
Lunch, refreshments, tea, coffee and soft drinks will be available to purchase at the venue – see the menu here. Water will be available for free from coolers throughout the venue.
For evening dining, there are plenty of restaurants near Taksim Square to suit a range of tastes and budgets. Read our guide for recommendations and things to do in the city.

Will wi-fi be available?
Free wi-fi will be available at the venue, with connection details displayed at the check-in desk.
Many public bars and cafés across Istanbul offer free wi-fi, but delegates wishing to stay connected throughout their time in Türkiye are advised to buy an eSIM before travelling (use our referral code TIMESH7718 for US$3 off) or buy a physical SIM card at the airport.

How much English is spoken in Istanbul?
Istanbul is a friendly and welcoming city for international visitors. While English is widely spoken in popular areas such as Sultanahmet and Taksim, there may be areas of the city where it’s less commonly understood. Mobile translation apps can be a helpful tool for navigating language barriers during your stay.

What will the weather be like?
June marks the beginning of summer in Istanbul. Average temperatures sit around 22°C, with daytime highs reaching 26°C and nights dropping to about 19°C. Light rainfall is possible.

Which currency can I use?
The local currency is the Turkish lira (₺), which is divided into 100 kuruş. While some businesses in tourist areas may accept euros, US dollars or pounds sterling, these transactions often include a markup.
Even if it seems convenient to pay in a foreign currency, we recommend using Turkish lira to ensure fairer pricing and better value during your stay.

Which payment methods are accepted?
All common internationally accepted means of payment are used in Türkiye. This means you can pay with a credit or debit card, with cash or via different apps. However, we do recommend carrying some change with you.

Should you exchange money before travelling to Turkey?
In general, there’s no need to exchange currency before travelling to Turkey, especially if you have a debit or credit card. You’ll be able to find plenty of exchange offices and ATMs in Istanbul. If you wish, you can bring a small amount of Turkish lira just in case you need it for something upon arrival. Learn more.

Which plug socket is used in Turkey?
Turkey uses type C and type F plug sockets, which are standard across much of Europe. If you’re travelling from within Europe, your devices should work without an adapter. For visitors from outside Europe, we recommend bringing a universal travel adapter to ensure compatibility with local sockets. Learn more.

Can I drink alcohol?
Alcohol is available for purchase in bars and restaurants throughout Istanbul. However, there have been recent reports of methanol poisoning linked to counterfeit drinks in Istanbul and Ankara. To stay safe, we strongly recommend sticking to reputable venues and avoiding suspiciously cheap alcohol.

Is tap water safe to drink?
Yes, the tap water in Istanbul is safe to drink.