17.2.1 Relationships with NGOs and government for SDG policy
Boğaziçi University's Participation in SDG Policy Development Processes of National Government and Regional Civil Society Organizations
Boğaziçi University, through its various Research Centers and academic units, directly participates and contributes to the policy development processes of national governments and regional civil society organizations within the scope of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The University is active in areas such as identifying problems encountered in these processes, developing policies and strategies, modeling possible scenarios, monitoring and reporting interventions.
1. “Zero Waste Management in the Food Sector” Project
Boğaziçi University, in collaboration with Istanbul Provincial Directorate of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change, has been involved in the European Union project “Zero Waste Management in the Food Sector”. The aim of the project is to improve the waste management skills of food industry workers and vocational high school students. Project outputs include a framework of waste management practices in Europe, training curriculum and e-learning platform.
Evidence
2. BOUNDijital Platform
Through the BOUNDijital platform, Boğaziçi University hosts sustainability-oriented studies on technology, environment and society. This platform has fostered inter-institutional collaboration and created dialogues in areas such as sustainable digitalization, environmentally responsible technology and digital public services. The first BOUNDijital Leaders Program was held at Boğaziçi University with the participation of public institutions such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Treasury and Finance and Ministry of Trade.
Evidence
- About the BOUNDijital Platform
- Technology, Environment and Society Themes
- BOUND Digital Leaders Program
3. “Turkey's First Social Impact Bond: Istanbul Coding Project”
“Turkey's First Social Impact Bond: Istanbul Kodluyor Project”, realized in cooperation with the Ministry of Industry and Technology and Istanbul Development Agency, aims to employ young people aged 18-35 in the information and communication technologies sector. The inaugural meeting of the project was held on August 14, 2023 at Boğaziçi University.
Evidence
4. National Action Plan on Sustainable Consumption and Production
In collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change, Boğaziçi University contributed to the preparation of the National Action Plan on Sustainable Consumption and Production. The project developed draft legislation, sectoral reports and best practice guides on sustainable consumption and production models. The kick-off meeting was held on September 7, 2023, World Clean Air Day.
Evidence
5. Conversation on TESEV and Climate Law
Prof. Sevil Acar from Boğaziçi University shared her views on the Draft Climate Law and Turkey's decarbonization goals in an interview organized by the Turkish Economic and Social Studies Foundation (TESEV).
Evidence:
6. COP28 Climate Conference
At the COP28 Climate Conference in the United Arab Emirates, Boğaziçi University and UN SDSN Turkey organized a session to discuss the role of universities in achieving Turkey's net zero emission targets. The session focused on efforts to create sustainable campuses and communities in Turkey and countries in the region.
Evidence:
7. Climate Change Assessment Meeting for Turkey
In this event hosted by Boğaziçi University İklimBU to evaluate the outcomes of COP28, an assessment on sustainability and net zero emission targets was made. The event was organized in collaboration with Yuvam Dünya and AGRO TV.
Evidence
8. Turkey Disaster Response Plan (TAMP)
Boğaziçi University Kandilli Observatory and Earthquake Research Institute plays an active role in the Turkish Disaster Response Plan (TAMP) to ensure national coordination in response to disasters and emergencies.
Evidence:
9. Integration of Climate Change Awareness into Basic Education
Dr. Tamer Atabarut, Director of Boğaziçi University Lifelong Learning Center and UN SDSN Turkey Board Member, made a presentation on climate change at the “Workshop on Integration of Climate Change Awareness into Basic Education” organized by the Ministry of National Education.
Evidence:
10. Istanbul Chamber of Industry (ISO) Sustainability Platform
Prof. Dr. Levent Kurnaz, Director of the Climate Policy Research Center at Boğaziçi University, participates in the sustainability platform of the Istanbul Chamber of Industry and contributes to the development of strategy recommendations for the sustainable transformation of Turkish industry.
Evidence:
Boğaziçi University contributes to SDG policy development processes in collaboration with national government and regional civil society organizations. The University plays an active role in the development, monitoring and reporting of sustainability policies.
Sustainability-Focused Cooperation Protocol Signed Between Boğaziçi University and Türkiye Kalkınma Yatırım Bankası
Boğaziçi University and Türkiye Kalkınma Yatırım Bankası have signed a new cooperation protocol aimed at contributing to sustainable development goals in Turkey and strengthening university-industry cooperation. The ‘Sustainability Cooperation Protocol,’ signed by Rector Prof. Dr. Mehmet Naci İnci and Bank General Manager İbrahim Halil Öztop, aims to implement various joint projects in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Key Highlights of the Agreement:
- Renewable energy and natural resource efficiency
- Water and wastewater management
- Circular economy and sustainable financing models
- Low-carbon and smart transportation systems
- Climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies
Workshops, research projects, and educational activities will be organised under these headings. The protocol also aims to contribute to Turkey's national strategies set in line with the Paris Climate Agreement and its 2053 net zero emissions target.
Statements by Rector Prof. Dr. Mehmet Naci İnci:
Prof. Dr. İnci reminded that Boğaziçi University plays a leading role in sustainability in Turkey and that, within this framework, the university holds the presidency and directorship of UN SDSN Turkey. He emphasised that the university offers academic courses in the field of sustainability and leads many national projects, and that this new cooperation provides an exemplary model for university-industry interaction.
Comments from İbrahim Halil Öztop, General Manager of the Turkish Development Investment Bank:
General Manager Öztop stated that the agreement with Boğaziçi University is highly valuable for achieving sustainable development goals and that such collaborations will yield effective results.
.png)
https://haberler.bogazici.edu.tr/tr/news/kampus/2/bogazici-universitesinden-surdurulebilirlik-h/2827
Rector Prof. Dr. İnci Evaluates the 2024 Sustainable Development Report: ‘We Are Fulfilling Our Responsibility for a Sustainable Future’
The 2024 Sustainable Development Report published by the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network (UNSDSN) reveals that serious setbacks continue at the global level in achieving the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted in 2015. According to the report, meaningful progress has been made in only 16% of the goals, while progress in 84% of the goals has been limited or reversed.
The report highlights financial resource inadequacy as the biggest obstacle to investment in critical areas such as infrastructure, education and health, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. The increasing debt burden of developing countries is further complicating the achievement of the SDGs. Therefore, the global financial architecture needs to be reformed urgently. The report recommends solutions such as increasing official development finance, improving the effectiveness of national development banks, global taxation practices, regulating private capital markets, and restructuring debt.
.png)
In the Sustainable Development Index, Scandinavian countries maintain their leadership, with Finland ranking first. Turkey ranks 72nd among 167 countries with a score of 70.5. BRICS and BRICS+ countries have made progress above the global average.
The situation in the food and land systems sector is alarming: approximately 600 million people are expected to face hunger by 2030, and obesity rates are projected to rise. The report emphasizes the need for all stakeholders to take urgent, coordinated action to limit animal-based protein consumption, increase productivity, and halt deforestation.
Evaluating the work carried out under the SDSN Turkey Network, Boğaziçi University Rector Prof. Dr. Mehmet Naci İnci said, ‘As Boğaziçi University, we will continue to fulfil our responsibility for a sustainable future through scientific research and academic collaborations.’ He also emphasised that the report clearly highlights the importance of global cooperation and innovative financing mechanisms.
https://haberler.bogazici.edu.tr/tr/news/diger/6/2024-surdurulebilir-kalkinma-raporunu-degerle/2844
Boğaziçi University Researchers Develop Artificial Intelligence Agent Model That Will Work Like a ‘Real’ Personal Assistant
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Şener Özönder and Dr. Mustafa Taha Koçyiğit from the Boğaziçi University Institute of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence are developing an advanced artificial intelligence agent model that can operate on mobile devices as part of a new artificial intelligence project supported by the European Union's Digital Europe Programme.
The project, titled ‘AI Agents on Devices: Transforming Real-Time API Interactions with Privacy-Preserving Intelligence,’ will be completed within a year in collaboration with ArtificaX Bilişim and Turkcell Global Bilgi, both based at Boğaziçi University Technopark.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Şener Özönder emphasises that while existing artificial intelligence systems typically only respond to questions, the model they are developing can take actions on behalf of the user, much like a real personal assistant. The model will be able to perform tasks such as planning holidays, shopping, placing food orders via voice interaction, and scheduling meetings.
Dr. Mustafa Taha Koçyiğit, Assistant Professor, stated that the project was developed on the MareNostrum 5 supercomputer in Spain, which features advanced H100 GPUs. ‘Interest in similar artificial intelligence agents is growing worldwide, but none have yet achieved the functionality and performance we are targeting. With this project, we aim to be a pioneer in Turkey and globally,’ he said. Once completed, the model is expected to be transformed into a user-friendly voice assistant for mobile devices and vehicles.
https://haberler.bogazici.edu.tr/tr/news/bilim/4/bogazicili-bilim-insanlari-gercek-kisisel-asi/2891
2024 Sustainability Report SDG-17 (Related Section)
Co-operation with Regional NGOs and Government for SDG Policies
Through its various Research Centres and academic units, Boğaziçi University directly participates and contributes to the policy development processes of national governments and regional non-governmental organisations in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The University plays an active role in critical areas such as identifying problems encountered in these processes, formulating policies and strategies, modelling possible scenarios, monitoring and reporting interventions. Examples of these contributions are given below.
1. Go Zero - Zero Waste Management in the Food Sector Project
Boğaziçi University has been involved in the European Union project ‘Zero Waste Management in the Food Sector’ coordinated by Istanbul Provincial Directorate of Environment, Urbanisation and Climate Change. The main objective of the project is to improve the waste management skills of those working in the food sector and students studying in the food departments of vocational education high schools. In this direction, six main outputs were prepared within the scope of the project:
1. Framework and Comparative Report on Waste Management Practices in Europe
2. Waste Management Skills and Training Curriculum in the Food Sector
3. Waste Management in Food Sector Training Content
4. Enriched Educational Materials and E-Learning Platform
5. Industrial Symbiosis Guide
6. Proposal Text on Waste Management in the Food Sector
The project aims to disseminate waste management skills in line with European standards and provide effective solutions for a sustainable environment.
Click here for more information:
https://sdcpc.bogazici.edu.tr/tr/news-04.asp
https://sdcpc.bogazici.edu.tr/PROJECTS/Go%20Zero%20Brochure_ENG.pdf
2. BOUNDijital Platform: Collaboration for Innovation and Sustainability
The BOUNDijital platform aims to strengthen inter-institutional cooperation through academic research and a multi-stakeholder interaction ecosystem, and to contribute to economic and social development on the axis of innovation culture, innovative economy and digital transformation. While the theme of technology, environment and society stands out among the fields of study, topics such as digital public services, sustainable digitalisation, cyber security and environmentally sensitive technology constitute the research focuses.
BOUND Digital Leaders Programme was held at Boğaziçi University on 27-29 April 2023. With the support of Amazon Turkey and the guidance of Boğaziçi University academics, the programme focused on Agile Governance and Regulatory Sandbox with the participation of representatives from public institutions. The participants included heads of departments and experts from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Directorate for EU Affairs, Ministry of Treasury and Finance, Ministry of Trade, Ministry of Industry and Technology, Digital Transformation Office of the Presidency of the Republic of Turkey, Information and Communication Technologies Authority (ICTA), Personal Data Protection Authority (KVKK ) and Competition Authority.
Click here for more information:
https://boundijital.net/boundijital-liderleri-bogazicinde-bulustu/
3. Turkey's First Social Impact Bond: Istanbul Coding Project
The inaugural meeting of ‘Turkey's First Social Impact Bond: Istanbul Coding Project’, launched in cooperation withthe Ministry of Industry and Technology and Istanbul Development Agency (ISTKA ), was hosted by Boğaziçi University on 14 August 2023. With a budget of 1 million 250 thousand dollars, the project aims to employ 550 young people between the ages of 18-35 in the information and communication technologies sector by supporting them with comprehensive training.
.jpg)
4. Preparation of National Action Plan for Sustainable Consumption and Production
The Sustainable Consumption and Production National Action Plan Preparation Project, carried out byBoğaziçi University Centre for Financial Application and Research (CARF) in cooperation with the Ministry of Environment, Urbanisation and Climate Change, General Directorate of Environmental Management, Department of Air Management, started with the opening meeting held at Boğaziçi University on 7 September 2023, World Clean Air Day.
Within the scope of the project, it is aimed to prepare Sectoral Value Chain Methodology Reports, Best Available Techniques (BAT) and Best Environmental Practices (BEP) Guidelines and Sector Notes for Sustainable Consumption and Production Practices, Draft Legislation and Guidance Documents for Sustainable Consumption and Production Models and National Sustainable Consumption and Production Action Plan and Strategy Document. This project aims to increase the applicability of sustainable consumption and production models.
Click here for more information:
5. Interview with TESEV on Climate Change Law
The Turkish Economic and Social Studies Foundation (TESEV) held an interview with Prof. Dr. Sevil Acar from Boğaziçi University on 13 November 2023. Within the scope of the interview, the draft climate law, Turkey's decarbonisation targets and green development issues were evaluated and Prof. Dr. Acar's views on the Draft Climate Change Law were received.
For more information, please click here:
https://www.tesev.org.tr/tr/research/sevil-acar-ile-iklim-kanunu-taslagi-ve-yesil-kalkinma/
Click here to listen to the interview:
6. COP28 Conference and Turkey's Net Zero Target
As part of the United Nations Climate Conference (COP28 ) held in the United Arab Emirates on 30 November - 12 December 2023, Boğaziçi University and UN SDSN Turkey organised a session to discuss the role of universities in achieving Turkey's‘Net Zero Emission Target’. During the session, the ‘UN SDSN Net Zero on Campus’ movement and sustainable campuses, sustainable communities and education, research and implementation activities in line with the net zero target in Turkey and the countries in the region were discussed.
Click here for more information:
https://unsdsn.bogazici.edu.tr/tr/cop-28-role-universities-decarbonization-net-zero
7. Climate Change Assessment Meeting for Turkey
In order to evaluate the outputs of the ‘COP28’ conference,‘Climate Change Assessment Meeting for Turkey’ was held on 21 December 2023, hosted by Boğaziçi University İklimBU in cooperation with Yuvam Dünya and AGRO TV.
Click here to watch the COP28 Evaluation Meeting:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n-a-8sQKxWk
8. Turkey Disaster Response Plan (TAMP)
Boğaziçi University Kandilli Observatory and Earthquake Research Institute is a member of the Disaster and Emergency Board, which provides national coordination in response to disasters and emergencies, and takes an active role within the scope of Turkey Disaster Response Plan (TAMP).
Click here for more information:
https://www.afad.gov.tr/turkiye-afet-mudahale-plani
9. Workshop on Integration of Climate Change Awareness into Basic Education
Dr. Tamer Atabarut, Director of Boğaziçi University Lifelong Learning Centre and UN SDSN Turkey Board Member, made a presentation on climate change at the ‘Workshop on Integration of Climate Change Awareness into Basic Education’ organised by the Ministry of National Education.
Click here to read the workshop report:
https://tegm.meb.gov.tr/meb_iys_dosyalar/2023_03/27150417_TAIEX_Calistay_Raporu.pdf
10. Istanbul Chamber of Industry (ISO) Sustainability Platform
Prof. Dr. Levent Kurnaz, Director of Boğaziçi University Climate Change and Policies Application and Research Centre (iklimBU), contributes to the development of strategy recommendations for the sustainable transformation of Turkish industry as a member of ISO Sustainability Platform.
For more information, please click here:
https://www.iso.org.tr/surdurulebilirlik/iso-surdurulebilirlik-platformu.html
