European Universities gather in Istanbul for 'Unity of Power'

Within the scope of the conference, which was held for the 29th time this year hosted by Yeditepe University, approximately 500 participants, including rectors, university administrators, policymakers, and experts from 260 institutions in 41 countries, came together in Istanbul.

Prof. Dr. Garrell: Diversity and Pluralism are Part of the EUA's Identity

Speaking at the opening of the conference, which was held with the main theme of "University Cooperation in Changing Contexts," EUA President Prof. Dr. Josep Maria Garrell stated that there were participants from 41 different countries at the conference and said, "These different perspectives will contribute greatly to guiding and enriching our discussions over the next two days. Diversity and pluralism are part of the EUA's identity as an organization."

“Cooperation is a Subject at the Heart of Universities”

Stating, "This year, we will address a subject that is at the very center of the existence of universities: cooperation," Prof. Dr. Garrell continued his words as follows:

“Working together across institutions, sectors, and borders in the fields of education, research, and innovation is an inseparable part of universities' activities. For this reason, throughout the conference, we will address inter-institutional cooperation and partnerships established with the public sector, industry, and other stakeholders at the local, national, and international levels. We will also examine the innovative methods and tools that universities use to develop and sustain these partnerships.”

Prof. Dr. Durman: Inter-University Cooperation is Indispensable

Yeditepe University Rector Prof. Dr. Mehmet Durman stated that it is extremely meaningful for this conference to be held in Istanbul, which has been a meeting point for civilizations, cultures, and intellectual traditions for 6,000 years, and said, "Today, universities are undertaking a similar mission: bringing people, disciplines, institutions, and ideas together beyond borders; and transforming diversity into a source of strength, creativity, and common progress."

Expressing that higher education is going through a process of deep transformation, Prof. Dr. Mehmet Durman noted the following:

“Digitalization, artificial intelligence, changing skill needs, global uncertainties, and complex social problems are reshaping not only what universities do, but also how they position their relationships with society, knowledge, and each other. In such an environment, inter-university cooperation is no longer just beneficial, it is indispensable. The more sincere and strategic cooperation we engage in, the more our capacity to contribute to society will increase.”

Critical Topics from Education to Digital Transformation

The two-day conference brought to the agenda topics that closely concern not only universities but also education policies, the future of young people, and the competitiveness of countries. At the conference, the roadmap that European universities will follow in the coming years, the areas in which they will act together, and how they will adapt to changing world conditions were discussed comprehensively.

At the conference, where sessions on critical topics from education to digital transformation were held, the future of educational programs, joint projects in research and innovation, university-industry collaborations, and the changing expectations of young people were evaluated in detail. How universities can establish stronger collaborations with each other, public institutions, and the private sector, as well as the effects of digitalization on education and research and how universities can adapt to this process, were also among the prominent topics.

EU's Higher Education Strategy on the Agenda

At the conference, issues such as the European Union's new funding and support programs for higher education and social trust were also discussed comprehensively. The role that universities will play in global issues such as sustainability, the climate crisis, and social transformation was also among the important agenda items of the conference.

News Source: 12punto