10 universities in Izmir joining forces for the 'Green Consensus'

Izmir University of Economics (IUE) has undertaken this year's management of the 'Izmir Universities Platform', which works to increase the quality of education for students and contribute to the development of the city. The theme of the platform, where 10 universities in Izmir collaborate and produce joint projects, has been determined as 'Sustainability and Green Consensus'. Stating that they created work groups by making strategic plans as a platform, IUE Rector Prof. Dr. Murat Aşkar said, “We aim to develop projects that will spread from University City, Izmir throughout the country and be shown as role models.”

Representatives of the universities that make up the Izmir Universities Platform came together to determine the theme of the new period and to create a roadmap for the work to be done. Evaluations were made on what studies to be carried out on the topic of "Sustainability and Green Consensus", which is on the agenda of the World, at the meeting, which was hosted by Izmir University of Economics and lasted for approximately 2 hours. Many topics were discussed at the meeting, such as launching the 'sticker' system for projects aimed at 'Sustainable Development', which were collected under 17 main headings by the United Nations, conducting podcast series by the rectors, and organizing project competitions at the end of the year.

IT WILL AFFECT US ALL

Remarking that the meeting was very productive, IUE Rector Prof. Dr. Murat Aşkar said that the work groups will finalize the projects as soon as possible. Stating that they attach great importance to the issue of "Sustainability and Green Consensus", and that they will sharing the projects with the public in the coming period, Prof. Dr. Aşkar said, “The ‘European Green Consensus’ covers important stages that will change the lives of all of us. We can talk about many important steps such as the introduction of the 'Carbon Border Tax, updating the legal infrastructure on green transformation, and clarifying the steps to be taken towards the goal of becoming a 'carbon neutral continent' by 2050. The Green Consensus is a transformation project put forward by the European Union, which will affect every field from industry to social life. Joint plans will be made on the use of environmentally friendly technologies, innovation, carbon-free energy, green transportation, and energy efficiency in buildings in this context. We, as the 'Izmir Universities Platform', focused on an environmentalist theme with the aim of carrying out studies that will support our country in this field and raise awareness first.”

‘SCIENCE DIPLOMACY’

Prof. Dr. Aşkar continued as follows: “The platform has established work groups and implemented good practices in many fields such as 'Smart University', 'Open and Distance Education', 'Accessible University', 'Information Sharing' and 'Social Responsibility' up until now. This year, we would like to add the work to be done on 'science diplomacy' to current joint work. The development of international scientific cooperation also paves the way for increasing relations between countries. The role of universities in international relations is undeniable. As a platform this year, we want to carry out different practices and to sign exemplary partnerships within the scope of science diplomacy, which is shown as one of the issues that universities should take into consideration, by Prof. Dr. Erol Özvar, the Chairman of the Council of Higher Education (YOK). Being a role model also in this field is suitable for Izmir, which is a full education and University City. The synergy and culture of cooperation between universities in Izmir is our biggest advantage.”

WHO ATTENDED?

IUE Rector Prof. Dr. Murat Aşkar, Yaşar University Rector Prof. Dr. Cemali Dinçer, Izmir Institute of Technology Rector Prof. Dr. Yusuf Baran, Izmir Demokrasi University Rector Prof. Dr. Bedriye Tunçsiper, Izmir Tınaztepe University Acting Rector Prof. Dr. Mustafa Güvençer, Ege University Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Mehmet Ersan, Izmir Katip Çelebi University Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Adnan Kaya, Dokuz Eylül University Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Fatma Duygu Özel Demiralp, Izmir Bakırçay University Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Ahmet Emin Erbaycu, Kavram Vocational School Vice Director Dr. Semih Salman, IUE Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Çiğdem Kentmen Çin, IUE Graduate School Director Prof. Dr. Mehmet Efe Biresselioğlu, and Izmir Universities Platform Period Coordinator Assoc. Prof. Dr. Işık Özge Yumurtacı Hüseyinoğlu attended the meeting held at IUE Conference Hall.