“Even with sustainable policies in place, our future is at risk”
İstinye University hosted a significant event for a future centered on environmental responsibility and collective awareness. Shaped in collaboration with Young TEMA, the Sustainable Future Summit brought together inspiring ideas, impactful stories, and creative solutions for a sustainable world, with the participation of leading figures in their respective fields. Panelists included Ayşegül Dinçkök, Prof. Dr. Ömer Lütfi Şen, Aslıhan Koruhan Sabancı, Prof. Dr. Bestami Özkaya, Elif Haykır Hobikoğlu, Deniz Şafak, and Mehmet Uygun.
Through panels, exhibitions, and presentations covering a wide spectrum—from zero waste to microplastics in the oceans, from industrial transformation to social awareness—critical issues around sustainability and our future were highlighted.
“We are borrowing today from future generations”
Rector Prof. Dr. Erkan İbiş emphasized the university’s institutional commitment to sustainability and its vision of social responsibility. He stated that sustainability goes beyond environmental protection, touching on social, economic, and communal dimensions:
“We are borrowing today from future generations. While planning for today, we must also consider the strategic planning needed for a livable future. Moving forward with a shared vision with all our stakeholders is of vital importance.”
“Even if sustainable policies are implemented, our future remains at high risk”
In his presentation on Sustainability and Climate Change, climate scientist Prof. Dr. Ömer Lütfi Şen from the Climate and Marine Sciences Department at Istanbul Technical University (ITU) shed light on the future of climate change. He remarked:
“According to future projections, even if we fully implement sustainability policies, we will still be in a high-risk zone by 2050 in terms of nitrogen balance, climate change, and biosphere diversity.”
Aslıhan Koruhan Sabancı highlighted sustainability in the food industry
Aslıhan Koruhan Sabancı, a PhD researcher in Sustainable Resources, emphasized the significance of sustainability in food and nutrition:
“My health issues sparked my research in food and nutrition. The journey of food from supply chains to our tables is crucial. I continue exploring the historical use of plants through phytotherapy to develop sustainable solutions for today.”
Ayşegül Dinçkök’s presentation on ocean pollution garnered attention
Presentations in the field of climate and marine sciences offered participants creative solutions to today’s environmental challenges. Professional diver, underwater photographer, and writer Ayşegül Dinçkök captivated the audience with her talk titled Ocean Cleanup and Visual Activism. She noted:
“I am an activist aiming to inspire people through my visuals. It is our shared responsibility to leave a clean world for our children and grandchildren.”
Young entrepreneurs had the chance to showcase their projects
Throughout the summit, attendees explored examples of sustainable innovation and engaged with projects developed by young entrepreneurs. The exhibition and Demoday sessions offered an interactive platform that encouraged turning ideas into concrete solutions.
Sustainability in Industry was one of the main themes
Panel sessions during the summit explored the role of sustainability in industrial transformation processes. Moderated by İstinye University Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Bestami Özkaya and Dr. Öğr. Üyesi Özgenur Reyhan Güler, the sessions—with participation from Çevre TV representatives—delved into topics such as environmental awareness, sustainable packaging, plastic use, and sustainability in supply chains.
Panels also addressed issues such as circular economy, sustainable finance, zero waste policies, and green entrepreneurship. Experts from various fields discussed how sustainable living practices are reflected across different sectors.
