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).
Sakarya University has signed a three-year cooperation protocol with the Turkish Red Crescent’s Sakarya Provincial Centre to strengthen fire safety and disaster preparedness education. Planned activities include renovating the University’s Fire and Fire Safety laboratory and developing educational infrastructure and content. Theoretical and practical training will be planned jointly under Red Crescent coordination, while the University will provide training facilities and technical infrastructure. This NGO partnership aims to develop disaster preparedness and resilience education relevant to SDG 11.
Sakarya University has signed a cooperation protocol with the Sakarya Provincial Representation of the Women and Democracy Foundation (KADEM) to support women’s social, cultural, academic, and legal development. Planned activities include training programmes, workshops, and seminars delivered jointly by the University’s Women’s Studies Application and Research Centre and KADEM. The NGO partnership aims to strengthen women’s rights awareness, career development, and participation in society, with the University also providing access to its facilities. The cooperation seeks to support capacity-building activities relevant to SDG 5: Gender Equality.
Led by Dr. Ali Can Yenice from Sakarya University, the qard al-hasan project has been selected for support under the TÜBİTAK 3005 programme. It will examine the operations and social impacts of organisations including İKSAR, the Karz-ı Hasen Foundation, Kamperder, and the MÜSİAD Karz-ı Hasen Fund. Drawing on impact assessments, the research aims to develop roadmaps supporting civil society’s financial sustainability and policy recommendations for cooperation among institutions. The study seeks to connect traditional financial solidarity practices with sustainable development objectives.
Led by Dr. İbrahim Erdek from Sakarya University, the TÜBİTAK 3005-supported project aims to document the textile heritage and cultural transmission practices of Sakarya’s Kınalı migrant community. Planned collaborators include the Sakarya Kınalılar Social Assistance, Solidarity and Culture Association, Adapazarı Public Education Directorate, Serdivan Municipality, and Sakarya Provincial Directorate of Culture and Tourism. Research findings are intended to be shared through educational modules, workshops, exhibitions, and publications. These partnerships seek to support cultural heritage preservation and intergenerational transmission relevant to SDG 11.
Led by Prof. Dr. Özlem Balaban from Sakarya University, the “Career Opportunities in Non-Governmental Organisations” project has been selected for TÜBİTAK 3005 support. Involving researchers from Sakarya University and Sakarya University of Applied Sciences, it aims to examine university students’ potential to pursue NGO careers and assess NGOs’ employment strategies. The research seeks to develop a university–NGO cooperation model supporting student employment and NGOs’ institutional development. These objectives are relevant to SDG 8 and SDG 17.
Sakarya University jointly organised a panel on East Turkistan with the Sakarya Branch of the National Turkish Students’ Union (MTTB) and the International Union of East Turkistan NGOs. Speakers shared their perspectives on human rights concerns, cultural identity preservation, and challenges facing women and children in the region. The event brought the University and civil society organisations together to exchange knowledge and promote public awareness of human rights. The topics discussed are relevant to SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions.
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