Investing in the Future with the Sustainable Future Summit

İstinye University hosted an important meeting for a future where environmental responsibility and collective awareness take center stage. The Sustainable Future Summit, shaped in collaboration with Young TEMA, was held with leading figures in their fields, aiming for a sustainable world through inspiring ideas, impactful stories, and creative solutions. Panelists included Ayşegül Dinçkök, Prof. Dr. Ömer Lütfi Şen, Aslıhan Koruhan Sabancı, Prof. Dr. Bestami Özkaya, Elif Haykır Hobikoğlu, Deniz Şafak, and Mehmet Uygun.

The panel, exhibition, and presentations covered a wide range of topics from zero waste to microplastics in the seas, from industrial transformation to social awareness, emphasizing the critical importance of sustainability for the future.

“We are borrowing today from future generations”

Rector Prof. Dr. İbiş emphasized the university’s institutional commitment to sustainability and its vision of social responsibility. Prof. Dr. İbiş addressed the social, economic, and societal dimensions of sustainability beyond environmental protection with these words:

“We are borrowing today from future generations. While planning today, we must also strategize for a livable world of the future. In this context, it is crucial that we move forward with a shared vision for the future together with all our stakeholders.”

“Even if sustainable policies are implemented, our future is at risk”

Prof. Dr. Ömer Lütfi Şen, a climate scientist at Istanbul Technical University’s Department of Climate and Marine Sciences, shed light on the future of climate change in his presentation titled “Sustainability and Climate Change.” Prof. Dr. Şen stated:

“According to future projections, even if we fully implement sustainability policies, by 2050 we will be in a high-risk zone regarding nitrogen balance, climate change, and biodiversity.”

Aslıhan Koruhan Sabancı emphasized the importance of sustainability in the food sector

Aslıhan Koruhan Sabancı, a PhD researcher in Sustainable Resources, highlighted the importance of sustainability in the food sector and nutrition:

“My health problems fueled my research in food and nutrition. The journey of food from purchasing and supply chains to our tables is very important. I continue researching the historical use of plants in phytotherapy for sustainable solutions today.”

Ayşegül Dinçkök attracted attention with her presentation on marine cleaning

Impressive presentations in the fields of climate and marine sciences offered participants creative solutions to current environmental issues. Professional diver, underwater photographer, and author Ayşegül Dinçkök’s presentation titled “Marine Cleaning and Visual Activism” drew great interest. Dinçkök stated:

“I am an activist aiming to set an example for people through my visuals. It is our collective responsibility to leave a clean world to our children and grandchildren.”

Young entrepreneurs had the opportunity to showcase their projects

Throughout the summit, participants had the chance to explore examples of sustainable innovation and meet the projects of young entrepreneurs. The exhibition and Demoday sessions provided an interactive platform encouraging ideas to turn into tangible solutions.

Sustainability in Industry was a key topic

Panel sessions during the summit examined the role of sustainability in industrial transformation processes. Moderated by İstinye University Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Bestami Özkaya and Lecturer Dr. Özgenur Reyhan Güler, with participation from Environment TV officials, discussions delved deeply into environmental awareness, sustainable packaging, plastic usage, and sustainability in the supply chain. Panels addressed circular economy, sustainable finance, zero waste policies, and green entrepreneurship in a multifaceted manner. Expert speakers conveyed reflections of sustainable living practices across different sectors.