The event titled “October 16, World Food Day: Right to Food for a Better Life and Future”, organized by the Science Communication Office at Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit University (BEUN), was held.
Organized by the BEUN Communication Office, which was established in line with the decision and incentive of the Council of Higher Education (YÖK), and the initiative of the Rector of Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit University (BEUN), Prof. Dr. İsmail Hakkı Özölçer, the fifth program titled “5 Questions-5 Answers Science Talks” was held in BEUN Çaycuma Food and Agriculture Vocational School.
Assistant Coordinator of the BEUN Corporate Communication Office and Head of the BEUN Science Communication Office, Asst. Prof. Dr. Melek Toparlak Şahin moderated the talk held with a member of TMMOB Chamber of Food Engineers Discipline Committee, Expert Food Engineer Tuğrul Dereli, and academic member of the Department of Food Processing at BEUN Çaycuma Food and Agriculture Vocational School, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ferhat Şen as a guest. Director of BEUN Çaycuma Food and Agriculture Vocational School, Asst. Prof. Dr. Deniz Karaelmas, academic staff, and students participated in the event.
In the program titled “October 16, World Food Day: Right to Food for a Better Life and Future”, it was emphasized that it is a basic human right for everyone to have the right to healthy, adequate, and nutritious food. The dimensions of hunger in Türkiye and around the world, the main reasons for hunger, the global effects of food waste, and solutions to these problems were discussed in the talk. The critical effect of reducing food waste on the fight against hunger and the importance of teaching society sustainable production and consumption habits were also highlighted. Within the framework of the theme “Hand in Hand for Better Food and Better Future” determined by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) for this year, the value of global solidarity and responsible food consumption for the welfare of future generations was emphasized in the program.
Expert Food Engineer Tuğrul Dereli commented on the dimensions of hunger in Türkiye and around the world, the main reasons for hunger, and solutions to these problems. Dereli emphasized the significance of concepts such as food safety, food security, food sovereignty, and food defense in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. He highlighted topics such as good practice of agriculture and food policies, supporting home production and farmers, and protection of fertile lands. He noted the importance of precautions such as raising awareness among consumers, improving the technological infrastructure of the production and distribution chain, and increasing the employment of experts in food establishments. Dereli concluded his talk saying, “Right to food is a basic human right not just for survival but for a valuable, healthy, and productive lifestyle. Thus, preventing food waste with policies and conscious consumption habits is the most important step against hunger”.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ferhat Şen, an academic member of BEUN Food and Agriculture Vocational School, highlighted the need for sustainable production and conscious consumption while preserving the right. He stated that the theme “Hand in Hand for Better Food and Better Future” promotes access to safe and healthy food. Emphasizing the critical role of packing technologies in increasing the shelf life and reducing food waste, Dr. Şen noted that it is a step toward a sustainable future, and it contributes to the fight against hunger. All participants noted the importance of creating awareness in society on topics such as the protection of the right to food, the prevention of hunger, and the reduction of waste. It was also emphasized that sustainable production and consumption habits are critical for the health and welfare of future generations.
After the 5 Questions-5 Answers Science Talks program titled “October 16, World Food Day: Right to Food for a Better Life and Future”, Director of BEUN Çaycuma Food and Agriculture Vocational School, Asst. Prof. Dr. Deniz Karaelmas presented the speakers with a certificate of appreciation.
The program ended with a commemorative photo.
