ITU Participated in the Global Sustainable Development Congress Held in Türkiye for the First Time

Istanbul Technical University (ITU) took part in the Global Sustainable Development Congress. Organized in cooperation with the Council of Higher Education (CoHE) and Times Higher Education (THE), the event was held at the Istanbul Congress Center from June 16–19, 2025, providing a productive environment for constructive dialogue and potential collaborations.

ITU participated in the Global Sustainable Development Congress (GSDC 2025), held in Türkiye for the first time through the cooperation of the Council of Higher Education (CoHE) and Times Higher Education (THE).

This year marked the fourth edition of the Global Sustainable Development Congress, which hosted sessions on global priorities and numerous bilateral meetings. Topics ranging from sustainable campuses, climate change, socioeconomic equality, artificial intelligence, health, energy, and education were discussed. The event brought together over 5,000 participants from 110 countries. Representatives from government institutions, universities, industry, and civil society shared innovative projects and strategies proposing solutions for a sustainable future.

ITU Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Mandal emphasized that ITU, with its 252-year history, is a pioneering institution in science and technology in Türkiye and a strong example through its sustainability research and impact-oriented approach. During the congress, Prof. Mandal commented on the newly released THE Impact Rankings 2025 results. He stated that ITU’s third-place global ranking in “Quality Education” and its position within the top 50 overall reflects the important role universities play in achieving sustainable development goals, and he reaffirmed ITU’s commitment to advancing this responsibility further. During the event, Prof. Mandal also held constructive meetings aimed at strengthening existing collaborations with Azerbaijan University of Architecture and Construction, Baku State University, and Baku Higher Oil School. Additionally, he explored potential academic and entrepreneurial partnerships with the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology.

ITU Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Lütfiye Durak Ata participated in the CoHE Sustainability Showcase session. She emphasized that the world’s challenging problems can only be solved through collaboration. Prof. Dr. Ata highlighted that  more than 90 Turkish universities make significant global contributions across all Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). She noted that the congress offered a valuable opportunity to realize Goal 17 by enabling participants to work together and find collective solutions.

Representatives from ITU’s Sustainability Office, International Relations Office, and Rankings Coordination Office also attended the congress. ITU’s booth in the Turkish Universities Pavilion drew strong interest from visitors.

In the opening speeches on June 17, THE Chief Global Affairs Officer Phil Baty stated that the world remains far from achieving the SDGs and emphasized that the partnerships formed during the event are a major opportunity for the future. Deputy Minister of Industry and Technology Dr. Çetin Ali Dönmez spoke about Türkiye’s efforts toward Goal 9: “Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure.” Minister of National Education of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus Nazım Çavuşoğlu discussed collaborations aimed at Goal 4: “Quality Education.”

Phil Baty and Azerbaijan’s Minister of Science and Education Emin Amrullayev reflected on COP 29, held in Azerbaijan in 2024, and discussed sustainability and curriculum reform, emphasizing scientific collaboration.

CoHE President Prof. Dr. Erol Özvar spoke about the partnership between THE and CoHE in organizing the event. He condemned Israel’s ongoing attacks on Gaza and Iran and voiced support for the educational rights of Palestinian students. He highlighted that technological advancements and evolving societal expectations have led to transformations in education and stressed the need for cooperation to remain current and generate innovative responses. He also noted that Türkiye ranks in the top 10 globally in hosting international students, showcasing its leadership in partnerships. In addition, he discussed open-access science initiatives and the impacts of the zero waste project.

In a panel session, John Gill (THE CEO) and Mike Berners-Lee (Professor and Author, Small World Consulting) argued that the fight against climate change stems not from a lack of technology but from a lack of effective decision-making mechanisms. The panel underscored the importance of international cooperation, understanding, and mutual respect.

In another session, Arash Bordbar (Associate Education Officer, UNHCR), Yasmine Colijn (Co-Director of Programs, Choose Love), and Ahmed Ekzayez (Chief of Programs, The White Helmets) emphasized the importance of investing in grassroots organizations and supporting local civil societies during times of crisis. They discussed humanitarian support efforts, life-saving actions, and rebuilding activities using examples from Syria.

Universities ranking first in each goal and the overall top 10 in THE Impact Rankings 2025 were announced by Phil Baty and Mei Mei Lim (THE APAC President). Western Sydney University ranked first overall. Representing the university, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research and Enterprise Prof. Ian Anderson gave a speech after receiving the top award in THE Impact Rankings 2025.

The four-day Global Sustainable Development Congress also hosted events such as the Global Refugee Higher Education Conference, the Young Sustainability Leaders Summit, and the International Green Skills Summit. Talks, panels, presentations, interactive workshops, master classes, and the exhibition area—where universities from around the world showcased their work—provided participants with a rich experience and valuable networking opportunities. The congress concluded with a closing ceremony on June 19.