On June 16, 2025, the 2025 Global Sustainable Development Congress convened in Istanbul, bringing together representatives from the global sector, research organizations, and higher education institutions. Atatürk University participated in the congress with a robust academic staff and a comprehensive content exhibit, which was organized in Turkey for the first time this year by Times Higher Education (THE) in collaboration with the Council of Higher Education (YÖK).

 At the congress, the university's exhibit garnered significant interest from numerous distinguished scientists and sector representatives, including YÖK President Prof. Dr. Erol Özvar. Additionally, Atatürk University Rector Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hacımüftüoğlu established significant connections.

 The Istanbul Congress Center is the site of the congress, which has attracted over 5,000 participants from over 110 countries. The massive event, which will run from June 16-19, will address contemporary concerns including sustainable development, climate change, green transformation, digitalization, and the evolving role of higher education.

 The University's Global Vision is Reflected in the Presentations

 During the congress, Atatürk University presented its national and international initiatives, with a particular emphasis on sustainable agriculture, digital public health, and equal access to education, to the attendees at its booth. YÖK President Prof. Dr. Erol Özvar, managers of numerous institutions, including Cordillera Career Development College in the Philippines, Airlangga University in Indonesia, Azerbaijan Architecture and Construction University, UTEG University in Ecuador, Izmir Democracy University, Bahçeşehir University, Hacettepe University, and Korkut Ata University, and international academicians, visited the stand, where expert academicians provided one-on-one information.

 The university's commitment to sustainability and its global vision of collaboration were evident in the presentations at the stand. Additionally, the one-on-one meetings with alumni and participants generated new opportunities for future collaboration.

 "It is incumbent upon us to assume accountability for the advancement of stability."

 YÖK President Prof. Dr. Erol Özvar delivered the opening speech of the congress, which was hosted by Türkiye for the first time. He stated, "The fact that our country hosts such an important organization reflects Türkiye's increasing role in international academia, while also highlighting Istanbul's unique position as a meeting point for cultures, ideas, and intercontinental connections." Regrettably, this congress is being held at a time when Israel has initiated a new attack on the region. Israel is required to cease its attacks immediately, as they constitute unambiguous violations of international law. It is incumbent upon us, as global leaders in higher education, to assume accountability for the advancement of global and regional peace and stability. We urge the international higher education community to publicly and resolutely advocate for academic freedom and human rights.

 "We Are Proud to Serve as the Academic Face of Turkey"

 Rector Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hacımüftüoğlu, who represented Atatürk University at the congress, expressed his satisfaction with the event by stating, "We are extremely pleased to be a part of an organization that is both comprehensive and qualified." Participating in this event, which is being organized for the first time in Turkey by a globally recognized ranking organization like THE, is also highly beneficial in terms of our university's internationalization vision.

 A robust academic delegation accompanied us from Erzurum to this location. Both of our professors actively engaged in the panels and conducted one-on-one meetings with visitors at our stand. The contacts we made, the collaborations we formed, and the experiences we acquired during our time here will significantly contribute to the sustainable development objectives of our university.

 I would like to express my gratitude to Prof. Dr. Erol Özvar, the President of YÖK, and all stakeholders who have assisted in the establishment of this significant organization in our country. We will persist in our role as an active and productive stakeholder in this process, as Atatürk University.

 New Collaborations and Global Expansion

 The congress's seminars, sessions, and bilateral meetings, which were organized around the theme of sustainability, once again underscored the notion that universities should assume a leadership role in the areas of social development, environmental responsibility, and education and training.

 Atatürk University persists in its commitment to its academic vision, which extends from the local to the universal, by extending its scientific expertise and mission to international platforms, resulting in tangible accomplishments.

 18.06.2025 - Corporate Communications Directorate