Sakarya University considers civil society organizations to be essential stakeholders in achieving its sustainable development goals. The university collaborates with numerous local, national, and international NGOs in the areas of education, environment, health, social equality, and volunteerism. Joint projects, seminars, awareness campaigns, and training programs implemented within this framework not only raise public awareness but also strengthen students' understanding of sustainability. Through these collaborations, the university aims to develop solutions to social problems, promote social inclusion, and encourage joint action towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This approach demonstrates that Sakarya University concretely implements the concept of "partnership for common goals" (SDG 17).
Strong Cooperation between Sakarya University and Yeşilay
Sakarya University organized a significant event to raise awareness about cybersecurity, one of the most critical areas of the digital age, and to develop students' industry competencies. The "Introduction to Cybersecurity" event, hosted by the Faculty of Computer and Information Sciences, brought together students, academics, and industry representatives, fostering a culture of knowledge sharing and collaborative learning.
The Sakarya University Cybersecurity Student Community organized the event. Participants included numerous students from computer science, software engineering, and cybersecurity engineering departments. The event aimed to raise students' awareness of current types of cyber threats, system vulnerabilities, and security measures, as well as their understanding of digital security.
The program covered the technical aspects of cyberattack methods and defense strategies, while also sharing comprehensive information on corporate cyber resilience and individual digital security habits. One of the most striking aspects of the event was the participation of students actively engaged in internships in the sector as speakers. These students shared their experiences and provided professional and ethical guidance to their peers.
The event also addressed employment opportunities, career planning, and industry skill requirements in the field of cybersecurity. Participants were informed about the certification processes, internship programs, and national/international collaborations necessary for development in this dynamic field.
This event served as an example of strengthening university-student-industry collaboration and fostering the sharing of knowledge and experience. With such activities, Sakarya University aims not only to transfer technical knowledge but also to create a sustainable ecosystem of digital security awareness.
Strengthening Awareness through the Workshop on Violence Prevention Strategies at Sakarya University
Sakarya University has signed another important partnership in line with its social awareness and sustainable development goals. The "Violence Prevention Strategies Workshop," organized in collaboration with the Sakarya University Social Contribution and Sustainability Coordination Office (TOKAS), the Women's Research Center, Sakarya Technopark, and the Sakarya Provincial Directorate of Family and Social Services, served as an exemplary initiative in line with the shared social transformation goals of the university and public institutions.
The workshop, organized as part of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women on November 25th, was held at the Technopark Fusion Incubation Center. The event addressed the conceptual dimension of combating violence, types of violence, gender equality, awareness-raising methods, and support mechanisms for victims of violence. Participants were provided with detailed information about the legal rights provided under Law No. 6284 on the Protection of the Family and the Prevention of Violence against Women, as well as the functions of the Violence Prevention and Monitoring Center (ŞÖNİM) and women's shelters.
In the interactive portion of the event, participants discussed various violence scenarios using case studies and developed solution proposals, accompanied by expert moderators. This hands-on workshop aimed to raise awareness of social responsibility in combating violence among a diverse range of participants, including students and academic staff.
This strategic partnership between Sakarya University and the Sakarya Provincial Directorate of Family and Social Services fosters inter-institutional collaboration, knowledge sharing, and social impact, aligning with United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). The event also directly links to SDG 5 (Gender Equality), offering a multi-stakeholder and sustainable awareness model for preventing violence against women.
Sakarya University aims to expand its academic, educational, and social activities within the scope of combating violence and to strengthen new collaborations that support gender equality in line with the principles of sustainability and inclusiveness.
Strategic Cooperation Protocol Signed between Sakarya University and TÜYAFED
Sakarya University has signed a new partnership that will contribute to strengthening national capacity in technology and innovation. The cooperation protocol signed between the Turkish Software Developers Federation (TÜYAFED) and Sakarya University aims to establish a comprehensive academia-industry-NGO collaboration model in line with the goals of digital transformation, software development, and sustainable development.
The protocol, signed by Sakarya University Rector Prof. Dr. Hamza Al and TÜYAFED President Mustafa Çalış, aims to bring together stakeholders from the public, industry, civil society, and academia on a single platform, creating a sustainable impact in the areas of knowledge generation, technology transfer, and human resources development.
In this context, the parties will organize innovative activities, including joint scientific publications, national and international R&D projects, workshops, seminars, panels, code banks/code stocks, and an artificial intelligence league. These activities will enhance students' digital competencies and contribute to the development of future technology professionals.
The protocol supports knowledge sharing, capacity building, and strengthening the innovation ecosystem through collaboration among universities, NGOs, and industry. With this collaboration, Sakarya University has taken a pioneering step that shapes not only the software ecosystem but also Türkiye's digital sustainability vision.
Green Transformation Awareness: “Nature-Friendly Truck” at Sakarya University
Sakarya University is hosting the "Green Campus Festival" to strengthen awareness of sustainable living and promote environmentally friendly practices. Organized in collaboration with the Turkish Environment Agency and the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change, the event encourages public institutions, academia, and young people to take joint action on environmental awareness.
As part of the festival, a Nature-Friendly Truck will be positioned at the Sakarya University Helipad to welcome visitors. During the events, which will take place from December 11 to 13, students and environmental volunteers will engage in a variety of interactive activities, including recycling workshops, sustainable culinary practices, holobox and VR experiences, environmentally themed competitions, and film and documentary screenings.
The Green Campus Festival aims to raise young people's awareness of environmental sustainability and contribute to the transformation of environmentally friendly behaviors into social culture. Through this event, Sakarya University promotes not only environmental protection awareness but also social cooperation, innovative environmental technologies, and sustainable campus living principles.
“Smoke-Free Campus” Implementation for a Healthy Life at Esentepe Campus
Sakarya University has taken a significant step toward achieving its goals of sustainable living and a healthy society by launching the "Smoke-Free Campus" initiative. This project, implemented in collaboration with the Addiction Fighting and Implementation Center, the Social Contribution and Sustainability Coordination Office (TOKAS), and the Sakarya Branch of the Green Crescent, offers a strong example of collaboration between the university, the public, and civil society within the framework of the.
The first step of the initiative was taken with the designation of Sakarya University's Esentepe Campus as a "smoke-free campus" zone at an event held in conjunction with World Tobacco-Free Day on May 31st. Planned to be implemented on all campuses by the 2024–2025 academic year, the initiative aims to protect the right to clean air, reduce tobacco addiction, and prevent environmental pollution. The Smoke-Free Campus initiative, spearheaded by Sakarya University, contributes to creating healthy, safe, and environmentally friendly university environments. With this initiative, the university invites students, staff, and all stakeholders to take collective action for a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable life.
“Kindness and Volunteering Movement” Seminar Held at Sakarya University
Sakarya University hosted a seminar program titled "The Kindness and Volunteer Movement" to promote social solidarity and volunteerism. The event, held at the Turgut Özal Culture and Congress Center, was organized by the In-Service Training Branch of the Human Resources Department. SAU Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Özer Köseoğlu and numerous administrative staff attended the program.
Speaking at the seminar, Prof. Dr. Köseoğlu emphasized the need for stronger institutional promotion of volunteerism, saying, "We want to address the issue of volunteerism under the umbrella of a coordinatorship, because touching the lives of others is not only an individual virtue but also the foundation of social development."
Following the event, Lecturer Abdullah Şenaslan addressed the contribution of volunteerism to society, the importance of empathy in communication, and the impact of volunteer activities on individual development. Şenaslan stated that volunteering has become a significant indicator of academic and professional development in many countries, saying, "Our goal is to promote kindness, solidarity, and volunteering; generations are changing, and we too must transform with kindness." He also shared that they plan to create an online platform to facilitate digital volunteer work.
This event fosters the development of a culture of inter-institutional solidarity, social engagement, and mutual goodwill.
Strengthening Environmental Awareness through the Zero Waste Peer Education Program at Sakarya University
Sakarya University (SAU) has launched the "Zero Waste Peer Education Program" to raise environmental sustainability awareness among young people and achieve its goal of zero waste. This program, implemented for the first time across the university, aims to encourage students to raise environmental awareness and adopt a zero-waste approach by educating one another.
As part of the program, students in the SAU-555 Sustainability and SAU-501 Youth and Volunteering courses, trained by the University Climate Ambassador on March 30th, International Zero Waste Day, conducted "Zero Waste"-themed peer education sessions at the Esentepe Campus from March 27th to 29th. Students in the EBB-021 Sustainable Development and Education course continued their educational activities at the Hendek Campus.
This innovative program, thanks to its student-to-student learning model, ensures the permanent transfer of knowledge and strengthens the university's efforts to achieve sustainable transformation, as part of its zero-waste project. With this program, Sakarya University aims to both improve waste management habits across the campus and foster long-term environmental awareness among students.
With the "Zero Waste Peer Education Program," Sakarya University continues to strengthen the culture of collective action for a sustainable future, extending from the local to the global, with this project carried out with the vision of raising environmentally conscious generations.
Environmental Awareness Message during Environment Week: “We All Have One World” Event Held at Sakarya University
Sakarya University (SAU) organized a meaningful educational program as part of Turkey's Environment Week activities to raise environmental awareness and convey a sense of sustainable living to younger generations. The program, organized by the Community Contribution and Sustainability Coordination Office (TOKAS), offered education to students at SAU Foundation Private Schools under the theme "We All Have One World!"
At the training, TOKAS Deputy Coordinator, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Aliye Suna Erses Yay gave a comprehensive presentation on the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). At the same time, Associate Prof. Dr. Ümmügülsüm Zor, a faculty member at the Faculty of Business Administration, shared examples of sustainable economics and ecological living with the students. As part of the event, students participated in nature-insect-inspired activities in the campus's green spaces, establishing a bee and insect hotel, a birdhouse, and feeding stations. Additionally, spring water storage systems were introduced in landscaped areas to raise awareness about water conservation. This event was held as part of Turkey's Environment Week, which took place from June 5 to 9. With the United Nations declaring June 5 as World Environment Day, environmental awareness campaigns are being conducted nationwide under the theme "We All Have One World." The program addresses topics such as climate change, desertification, drought, and zero waste management, aiming to raise public awareness of environmental responsibility and foster a culture of collective action to protect natural resources.
A First in Türkiye: “Women in Business” Micro-Credential Program by Sakarya University
Sakarya University (SAU) has taken an innovative step to strengthen women's presence in business, support their career development, and promote gender equality in line with the Sustainable Development Goals. The "Women in Business Micro-Qualifications Program," implemented as part of the "Future-Shaping Women Academy," developed under the leadership of the Social Contribution and Sustainability Coordination Office (TOKAS), was organized in collaboration with Sakarya Technopark and the Sakarya Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SATSO). The program was launched at Sakarya University on May 3, 2024.
The program aims to empower women students in areas such as career planning, leadership, crisis management, sustainable development, digital competencies, social entrepreneurship, and project management. Participants will gain both theoretical knowledge and practical experience by interacting with industry representatives and academics. Participants who complete the training will receive a digital badge and certificate equivalent to 5 ECTS credits. These badges can also be considered standard elective courses at Sakarya University.
The "Women in Business Micro-Qualifications Program" supports the empowerment of women in the business world and serves as a concrete example of Sustainable Development Goal 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by deepening collaboration between universities, industry, and civil society organizations.
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