Erzurum Technical University (ETU) Rector Prof. Dr. Bulent Cakmak attended the "Science Diplomacy on the Road to COP31: Academy Launch" program hosted by the Council of Higher Education (YOK). The program, held as part of Turkiye's preparations for the COP31 Presidency, addressed the role of higher education institutions in combating climate change, science diplomacy, and international academic collaborations.

The program, held at the YOK Presidency, was attended by the Minister of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change Murat Kurum, YOK President Prof. Dr. Erol Ozvar, as well as ETU Rector Prof. Dr. Bulent Cakmak, Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Naim Urkmez, university rectors, and representatives from various institutions.

Within the scope of the program, a roadmap was shared for the development of international academic collaborations and studies to be carried out by universities in priority areas such as climate change, sustainable development, green transformation, clean energy, sustainable cities, food security, health, and education.

YOK President Ozvar: "Universities Will Be One of the Key Stakeholders of the COP31 Process"

Speaking at the opening of the program, YOK President Prof. Dr. Erol Ozvar stated that they aim to make the higher education system one of the important stakeholders of the COP31 process, and that universities will contribute to global climate policies with their capacity to produce scientific knowledge and international collaborations. Ozvar emphasized that the COP-SCIENCE platform, implemented within this scope, aims to make the studies of universities in the fields of climate change, sustainability, and environment more visible at the international level.

Minister Kurum: "Scientific Studies Will Contribute to COP31 Targets"

In his speech, Minister of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change Murat Kurum emphasized the importance of scientific knowledge and academic production in the fight against climate change, stating that the research and innovative solutions developed by universities will make significant contributions to Turkiye's COP31 targets.

Rector Cakmak: "Universities are Taking on a Strategic Role in the Fight Against Climate Change"

Following the program, ETU Rector Prof. Dr. Bulent Cakmak stated that universities are undertaking important responsibilities in producing scientific knowledge, training qualified human resources, and developing international collaborations in the fight against climate change. Cakmak stated that the scientific studies to be conducted by higher education institutions during Turkiye's COP31 Presidency will contribute to global climate goals, and that ETU will continue to support this process with its research focused on sustainability, environment, and green transformation.

Corporate Communications and Promotion Directorate, August 5, 2026