Istanbul Nişantaşı University Attends the COP31 Academic Launch
Our university was represented at the Council of Higher Education’s COP31 Academic Launch. The programme reviewed universities’ scientific contributions to the climate conference, international cooperation, and academic preparations.
Istanbul Nişantaşı University Rector Prof. Dr. Ayşegül Komsuoğlu and Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Ece Salihoğlu, responsible for COP31 coordination, attended the “Science Diplomacy on the Road to COP31: Academic Launch” program hosted by Council of Higher Education (YÖK) President Prof. Dr. Erol Özvar.
Held with the participation of Minister of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change Murat Kurum, the program addressed universities’ scientific contributions, international collaborations and academic preparations ahead of the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31), to be hosted by Türkiye in Antalya on November 9–20, 2026.
Rectors from 208 universities across Türkiye, vice rectors responsible for COP31 coordination and representatives of institutions working in research, science, technology and innovation attended. The launch introduced a national academic participation model to coordinate universities’ scientific, technological and societal contributions to COP31 and shared a roadmap covering research projects, technological solutions, international academic cooperation and scientific activities before the conference.
Speaking at the opening, YÖK President Prof. Dr. Erol Özvar stated that science is the strongest foundation for tackling climate change and cooperation the most effective method. He said they aimed to bring together Turkish universities’ knowledge and research capacity around a shared vision for COP31.
Minister of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change Murat Kurum stated that the COP31 process would be guided by dialogue, consensus and joint action, emphasizing students and young researchers as important stakeholders. He identified expanding campus sustainability practices, strengthening international scientific networks, enabling young people to participate more actively in climate diplomacy and developing universities’ joint research capacity as priority areas.
As part of its COP31 preparations, Istanbul Nişantaşı University remains committed to scientific output, interdisciplinary research and climate-focused projects in line with the academic framework prepared by Sustainability Coordinator Dr. Nazlı Kazanoğlu.
