The Rector of Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit University (BEUN) Prof. Dr. İsmail Hakkı Özölçer attended the program titled "Science Diplomacy on the Road to COP31: Academy Launch" held at Council of Higher Education. The role of higher education institutions and academic collaborations toward the COP31 process against climate change were discussed during the program.
The program held at Council of Higher Education was attended by the Minister of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change Murat Kurum, the President of the Council of Higher Education Prof. Dr. Erol Özvar, university rectors, academics, and press members.
President Prof. Dr. Özvar: “We mobilize scientific expertise of 208 universities towards the common climate goals”
In his opening speech of the program the President of the Council of Higher Education Prof. Dr. Erol Özvar highlighted that the scientific expertise and qualified human resources of the higher education system will contribute to the climate policies in Türkiye and added: “We launch a science diplomacy move that will bring academic stakeholders from all around the world together with the scientific expertise of 208 universities.” Emphasizing the significance of collaboration between the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change and Council of Higher Education, Özvar stated that academic contributions to the COP31 process has been institutionalized. Furthermore, he added that initiatives taken on zero waste, energy, and water efficiency, ecofriendly transformation, green campus applications and popularization of sustainability culture have resulted in significant gains for higher education institutions.
Minister Kurum: “Türkiye has the power to take on a leading role in climate diplomacy”
In his speech, Minister Kurum highlighted that COP31 process is a significant opportunity for Türkiye and added that Türkiye has the expertise and experience to bridge between developed and developing countries. Kurum also stated that scientific collaborations and contributions from the universities are of great importance.
Rector Özölçer: “We continue to strengthen our vision of sustainability on the national and international fields”
In his remarks on the program, BEUN Rector Prof. Dr. İsmail Hakkı Özölçer stated that universities have significant responsibilities in the struggle against climate change and sustainable development goals and added:
“The program titled "Science Diplomacy on the Road to COP31: Academy Launch" held under the leadership of the President of the Council of Higher Education Prof. Dr. Erol Özvar, and with the contributions of the Minister of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change Murat Kurum, is an extremely significant meeting towards the sustainable future vision of our country. I would like to extend my gratitude to Minister Murat Kurum and President of Council of Higher Education Prof. Dr. Erol Özvar for this organization that will contribute to Türkiye’s involvement in COP31 process with a scientific approach. As Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit University we center around sustainability in all fields from education and campus life to research and social contribution. We implement significant initiatives in this field with zero waste applications, energy efficiency, eco friendly projects, green campus works and scientific activities that raise environmental awareness. It is a source of pride for us that our projects that prioritize environmental sustainability have a place on national and international platforms. It is our responsibility to popularize sustainable campus approach being the GreenMetric Türkiye National Coordinator. In this respect, we initiate many studies that will strengthen the collaboration among universities, raise awareness in the field of sustainability and promote best practices. As Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit University, we will continue to contribute to the green transformation goals of our country with strong academic collaborations and environment focused projects.”
