Collaborations have been established with civil society organizations and local governments to promote environmentally friendly practices. Some of the activities highlighted for 2024 include:
Climate Change and Youth Solutions (22.05.2024, Barış Manço Cultural Center) – This international panel discussed young people's innovative solutions to the climate crisis. Student representatives from various countries shared environmental issues and implemented climate action projects in their respective regions. The panel brainstormed technology-based solutions to the climate crisis, green entrepreneurship ideas, and community-based environmental projects. By learning about best practices from different countries, participants grasped the importance of global collaboration and agreed on common solutions. At the end of the event, the young leaders formed an international network to implement projects that contribute to the sustainable development goals.
The Impact of Youth on the Environment: Local Solutions and Climate Actions (11.12.2024, IGU) – This event provided an opportunity for young people to share their solutions to climate change developed at the local level. Students and representatives of civil society organizations presented environmental projects implemented on campus and city levels, presenting innovative approaches to topics such as waste management, energy efficiency, and increasing green spaces. Through workshops, participants learned how to initiate community-based initiatives for climate action and how to scale them up in line with sustainable development goals. At the end of the event, new project ideas that could be implemented by university students were identified, and proposals for collaboration with local governments were developed.
IGU supported young leaders in raising their awareness of environmental responsibility and sustainability through the European Union-supported “Youth Organizational Leadership (YOL)” project. The project created a strong collaborative platform between the university and civil society organizations, raising young people's awareness of climate change, clean energy, and social responsibility. At the meeting, attended by IGU Rector Prof. Dr. Bahri ŞAHİN, the importance of young people taking an active role for a sustainable future was emphasized. This activity contributed to SDG 13, increasing the competencies of young leaders in combating climate challenges.
With these collaborations, the university's impact capacity in the field of environmental sustainability has been strengthened, and good practices in the field of climate adaptation have been developed by carrying out joint projects with local stakeholders.
13.3.6 Disaster and Emergency Club Activities
The ”Disaster and Emergency Club”, operating within IGU, organized numerous events throughout 2024 to raise disaster awareness and prepare students and staff for disasters. With 186 active members, the club organized awareness-raising training and drills, particularly regarding earthquake, fire, flood, and other natural disaster risks.
The main activities carried out throughout the year were as follows:
