In an effort to raise awareness about global sustainability and inspire future leaders and scientists, an event was recently held on December 20, 2024, at Bülent Ecevit Anatolian High School (BEAL), organized by a team of academics, including Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ayşe Arıkan Sarıoğlu from the Quality and Accreditation Coordination Office and the Sustainability Office at Near East University. The event focused on the critical role of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields in solving global challenges and explored how these disciplines intersect with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
STEM plays a crucial role in addressing some of the world’s most pressing issues, including poverty, inequality, climate change, and environmental degradation. Through scientific research, technological innovations, engineering solutions, and mathematical analysis, STEM fields provide the tools necessary to develop sustainable solutions that can positively impact societies and the environment. The event emphasized the importance of these fields in driving progress towards a more sustainable, equitable, and resilient world.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ayşe Arıkan Sarıoğlu opened the event with a presentation on the SDGs, explaining the 17 global goals designed to tackle critical issues and outlining the collective action required from individuals, communities, governments, and institutions to create a more sustainable world by 2030.
Students were encouraged to consider how they could contribute to the SDGs in their everyday lives. The discussions also highlighted the essential role of STEM fields in achieving these goals, showcasing how innovations in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics can drive sustainable development.
Additionally, the event explored career opportunities in STEM fields. Female academics with expertise in their areas shared their career experiences, offering valuable insights. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gülsüm Aşıksoy, an expert in Artificial Intelligence Engineering, discussed the potential of AI in sustainability projects. Meanwhile, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nuriye Sancar, a Mathematics expert, emphasized how mathematical models can address complex societal and environmental challenges. The event aimed to inspire students to pursue careers in STEM and actively contribute to a sustainable future.
