The Third Edition of BEUN’s “5 Questions – 5 Answers Science Talks” Program Held Under the Theme of “Financial Literacy”

The third edition of the “5 Questions – 5 Answers Science Talks” program, organized by the Science Communication Office of Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit University (BEUN), was held under the theme of “Financial Literacy.”

The program series was initiated as part of the efforts led by BEUN Rector Prof. Dr. İsmail Hakkı Özölçer, and in alignment with the decisions and incentives of the Council of Higher Education (YÖK). The BEUN Science Communication Office was established to promote public engagement with science, and the “5 Questions – 5 Answers Science Talks” program represents one of its flagship initiatives.

The latest event was held at Café Akademi, operated by the Karaelmas University Foundation within the BEUN campus. The session was moderated by Dr. Cem Evrim Aslan, Assistant Coordinator of BEUN Corporate Communication and Head of the Science Communication Office.

Distinguished guests from the Capital Markets Board of Türkiye (SPK) participated in the session, including: Buket Salkım, Advisor to the SPK President and Deputy Head of the Corporate Communications Department, Murat Birinci, Head of the Corporate Communications Department, Oğuz Altun, Deputy Head of the Corporate Communications Department, Atakan Öztürk, SPK Expert.

Prior to the event, the SPK delegation paid a visit to Rector Prof. Dr. İsmail Hakkı Özölçer. Expressing their appreciation for the warm welcome, the delegation conveyed their satisfaction in participating as guests in the program organized by the BEUN Science Communication Office. Rector Özölçer also expressed his pleasure in hosting the SPK representatives and thanked them for their contribution to the event and for their kind visit.

Following the courtesy visit, the program took place at Café Akademi, located on the 15 July Martyrs Campus.

Held under the sub-theme of “Financial Literacy,” the session addressed key concepts, terminology, and practical approaches to financial awareness—from individual understanding to societal impact. The event was also held in honor of May 22 – Financial Literacy Day, as declared with the endorsement of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

“We Are Achieving Great Success in Financial Literacy Every Day”

Buket Salkım, Advisor to the Chair of the Capital Markets Board (SPK) and Deputy Head of the Corporate Communications Department, emphasized that significant progress has been made in financial literacy in Türkiye over the past two years, citing data from the OECD and the World Bank.

“Especially with the declaration of May 22 as Financial Literacy Day by our President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, the support of our Minister of Treasury and Finance Mr. Mehmet Şimşek, and the dedicated efforts of our Chair Mr. İbrahim Ömer Gönül, we are achieving great success in financial literacy in Türkiye day by day. In the near future, we will begin to reap the benefits of these efforts.”

She also shared detailed information about the various projects and initiatives undertaken by the SPK in the field of financial literacy.
Salkım added that efforts are underway to develop financial literacy education for the 0–6 age group, and that Türkiye is poised to take a leading and pioneering role in this field globally.

Murat Birinci, Head of the SPK Corporate Communications Department, noted that financial literacy equips individuals with the ability to manage income, save, make investment decisions, understand debt risks, and plan for retirement. He emphasized that financial literacy is not only essential for individual well-being, but also has a profound impact on societal development and economic stability. He stated that financial literacy goes beyond personal welfare and is a key factor in achieving sustainable development goals.

Oğuz Altun, Deputy Head of the Corporate Communications Department at SPK, highlighted three essential components in the definition of financial literacy. He explained that having financial knowledge alone is not sufficient to be financially literate—attitudes and behaviors must also accompany that knowledge, illustrating his point with practical examples.

Atakan Öztürk, SPK Specialist, discussed how emerging financial technologies—such as cryptocurrencies, digital wallets, and digital banking—are reshaping the very definition of financial literacy.

During the talk, the speakers responded to numerous questions from participants and reinforced key concepts of financial literacy with real-life examples, particularly in the context of everyday financial decisions and spending habits.

At the end of the Q&A session, Dr. Cem Evrim Aslan, Assistant Coordinator of BEUN Corporate Communication and Head of the BEUN Science Communication Office, presented certificates of appreciation to the guest speakers.

The third session of the “5 Questions – 5 Answers Science Talks”, organized by the BEUN Science Communication Office under the theme of Financial Literacy, concluded with a group photo taken to commemorate the day.