Sakarya University maintains long-term and structured collaborations with national and local non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to strengthen community-based climate adaptation, gender-responsive resilience, and environmental sustainability. These collaborations are implemented under the coordination of the Sustainability Coordination Office, Disaster Management Application and Research Center (DIVAM), Fire Application and Research Center, and Center SAU (National Critical Infrastructures Test Bed Center). The university’s cooperation with NGOs integrates education, research, and social engagement activities that align with Türkiye’s 2024–2030 Climate Change Adaptation Strategy and Action Plan and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
A prominent example of NGO cooperation is the “Women in Climate Justice Symposium (İklim Adaletinde Kadın Sempozyumu)”, organized in May 2024 in collaboration with the Turkish Women Academics Association (TÜRKKAB), Sakarya University Women’s Research Center (SAÜKAM), and Sakarya University of Applied Sciences. Hosted at the SAU Congress Center, this national event focused on women’s vulnerability to climate change impacts such as water scarcity, migration, and disasters, emphasizing gender-sensitive adaptation policies. Sessions also explored innovative approaches, including bioenergy and biogas production from agricultural waste, community resilience strategies, and the inclusion of women in climate governance. This symposium established a national platform that linked academia, NGOs, local governments, and industry in a dialogue on equitable adaptation and inclusive climate justice.
In 2024, the university also co-organized the 12th National Solid Waste Management Congress (UKAY 2024) with the Kriton Curi Environmental Foundation (Kriton Curi Çevre Vakfı) and the National Solid Waste Pollution Committee. This congress addressed themes of circular economy, green transformation, and urban climate resilience, focusing on maintaining waste infrastructure and essential services under extreme climate conditions such as floods and heatwaves. The event reinforced NGO–university partnerships in climate adaptation through sustainable waste and resource management strategies.
Sakarya University further strengthens climate resilience through humanitarian and environmental partnerships. The university collaborates with the Turkish Red Crescent (Kızılay) and local volunteer networks to deliver community training, emergency simulations, and awareness programs on disaster preparedness, flood control, and psychosocial support. These joint efforts are led by DIVAM and the university’s Civil Defense and Occupational Health and Safety Units, supporting the regional disaster-preparedness framework coordinated with AFAD and local municipalities.
At the community level, the university engages with environmental NGOs such as the TEMA Foundation and local green initiatives for afforestation and soil conservation projects, promoting nature-based adaptation solutions to mitigate drought and urban heat impacts. Each year, students, academics, and staff participate in large-scale tree-planting campaigns across Sakarya, contributing to long-term carbon sequestration and landscape restoration efforts.
Sakarya University also partners with local animal welfare NGOs to implement sustainable food and waste management practices. Approximately 23 tonnes of surplus meals from campus dining facilities are donated annually to volunteer animal-care organizations, while remaining organic waste is converted into biogas and compost through on-campus renewable energy infrastructure. This system not only reduces methane emissions but also supports community networks that improve public health and environmental resilience during extreme climate conditions.
Moreover, the university fosters innovation-driven climate adaptation through student and research-led initiatives. The SAITEM (Advanced Technologies Application Community) and SPARK Electric Vehicle Team work with NGOs and private partners to promote clean mobility and renewable energy awareness among the public. CENTER SAU, designated by the Energy Market Regulatory Authority (EMRA), provides joint training programs for NGO representatives and private-sector professionals on energy infrastructure security and climate-related risk resilience.
Through these multidimensional collaborations ranging from academic symposia and research congresses to afforestation campaigns, waste valorization, and disaster-preparedness training Sakarya University builds institutional and community-level capacity for climate adaptation. These partnerships bridge scientific expertise with civil society engagement, advancing both SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) and positioning the university as a regional model for inclusive, data-driven climate resilience.
Sakarya University Sustainability Festival 2024
Within the framework of the Sustainable Development Goals, Sakarya University organized a series of events under the theme “15 May – Sustainability Day” as part of its annual Spring Festival.
The festival, jointly conducted by university faculties, student communities, public institutions, and non-governmental organizations, created an important awareness platform on climate change adaptation, zero waste, circular economy, environmental awareness, and nature-based solutions.
Thematic Events and Workshops
Throughout the festival, various workshops, panels, and interactive sessions were held, including the following highlights:
