Melda Çele serves as the Executive Director of UN Global Compact Türkiye.

The UN Global Compact, launched in 2000 by former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, supports companies in doing business responsibly by aligning their strategies and operations with Ten Principles on human rights, labour, environment and anti-corruption. It also encourages strategic action to advance broader societal goals, such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals, with an emphasis on collaboration and innovation. With over 25,000 participants across 160+ countries and 63 Local Networks, it is the world’s largest voluntary corporate sustainability initiative. UN Global Compact Türkiye, with 409 member companies, is the largest in its region and the eighth largest in Europe.

Between 2005 and 2023, Çele held various roles at TÜSİAD, including serving as Deputy Secretary-General from 2013 to 2022. During this period, she also acted as the Executive Director of UN Global Compact Türkiye, hosted by TÜSİAD.

A lifelong advocate of corporate sustainability, Çele has initiated and led numerous multi-stakeholder projects bridging the private sector and civil society. Her work is driven by a deep belief in the power of collaboration and partnerships for lasting impact.

She holds a Master’s degree in European Integration from the University of Essex, a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Koç University, and is an alumna of Robert College.