In 2024, Near East University continued to strengthen its role as a regional hub for cross-sectoral dialogue on the Sustainable Development Goals by bringing together government institutions, civil-society organizations, private-sector representatives, and academic experts. Through a series of workshops, summits, and collaborative panels, the University created platforms where diverse stakeholders could discuss shared sustainability challenges, exchange knowledge, and explore joint approaches to advancing SDG-aligned strategies.
Near East University Hosts Landmark Multi-Stakeholder Conference on Natural Resources and Climate Management (NRSEM-2024)
Near East University hosted the 7th International Conference on Natural Resources and Sustainable Environmental Management (NRSEM-2024), creating one of the most extensive cross-sectoral platforms of 2024 for dialogue on sustainability, climate action, and natural resource governance. The multi-day conference convened a broad coalition of government ministries, industry leaders, academics, and civil-society organisations, positioning NEU as a key facilitator of SDG-aligned cooperation—particularly in areas connected to SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).
Throughout the event, participants from ministries responsible for the environment and natural resources, private-sector executives from the energy, water and environmental services industries, researchers from Near East University and international institutions, and representatives from NGOs engaged in panel discussions, workshops, and expert briefings. These sessions highlighted pressing issues such as water diplomacy, sustainable use of natural resources, corporate sustainability strategies, and regional climate resilience frameworks.
Government officials contributed insights on regulatory needs and public investment priorities, while industry participants showcased practical technological and operational solutions for sustainability transitions. Academics provided data-driven analyses on future environmental scenarios, resource efficiency, and climate adaptation. NGOs added community-level perspectives and emphasised awareness-raising initiatives.
By bringing together stakeholders with complementary expertise, NRSEM-2024 strengthened networks across sectors, encouraged the exchange of best practices, and reinforced Near East University’s role as a regional hub for dialogue bridging science, policy and practice. The conference demonstrated how inclusive, multi-stakeholder engagement can accelerate progress on climate-related and resource-related sustainability challenges.
Global Climate Change and Cooperation Summit
Near East University participated in the Global Climate Change and Cooperation Summit, an international event that convened more than 600 researchers, public-sector leaders, NGO representatives, and private-sector stakeholders to address climate change mitigation and adaptation. The summit served as a high-level platform for cross-sectoral dialogue, enabling experts from multiple disciplines and sectors to evaluate global climate risks and share collaborative approaches aligned with SDG 13: Climate Action.
Sessions focused on long-term climate resilience, renewable energy transitions, regional environmental vulnerabilities, and cooperative frameworks for climate policy implementation. The presence of government officials provided strategic insights into regulatory approaches, while academics and environmental scientists contributed research-driven analyses of climate trends. Industry participants addressed practical pathways for sustainable transformation. Through its engagement in this summit, Near East University reinforced its commitment to international cooperation and multi-stakeholder dialogue on climate-related SDG challenges.
Marine and Coastal Protection Management Workshop
The Marine and Coastal Protection Management Workshop, hosted by Near East University, provided an extensive cross-sectoral platform for dialogue on SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 14 (Life Below Water). The workshop brought together representatives from public institutions, environmental authorities, marine protection units, academic researchers, and sector-based practitioners working in coastal and maritime fields. Discussions focused on ecosystem degradation, pollution control, coastal erosion, and sustainable marine resource management.
Through expert presentations and technical exchanges, participants examined current environmental challenges and explored avenues for collaborative action. Public-sector officials shared regulatory and policy needs, while environmental professionals contributed field-based insights, and academics offered scientific perspectives on monitoring, mitigation, and long-term sustainability. By convening diverse stakeholders around a shared environmental agenda, Near East University played a central role in facilitating dialogue and strengthening collaborative approaches to coastal and marine sustainability.
Near East University Strengthens Cross-Sectoral SDG Dialogue Through the 2024 Societal Research and Development Symposium
In 2024, Near East University continued to expand its role as a leading platform for multi-stakeholder dialogue on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). As part of this commitment, the university co-organized the 2024 Societal Research and Development Symposium together with the University of Kyrenia, bringing together representatives from government institutions, civil-society organizations, academic researchers, international advisory board members and professional associations. This landmark gathering created a comprehensive, cross-sectoral space for discussing SDG-aligned strategies for social development, equality, public health, education, and cultural participation.
The symposium featured a broad range of institutions, including the Presidency of the TRNC, the Ministry of the Interior, the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, the Turkish Cypriot Orthopedic Disabled Association, the Refugee Rights Association, Nicosia Lions, the Cancer Society, the Pink Angels Association, the Women Entrepreneurs Association, various municipal representatives, and senior academics from Near East University and the University of Kyrenia. The event also included experts from the international advisory board, representing countries such as the United States, Canada, China, Slovenia, Malaysia, and Spain, enabling participants to compare local and global approaches to SDG-related challenges.
Structured across several thematic panels, the symposium addressed multiple SDGs in depth. Sessions on women’s empowerment, child well-being, disability inclusion, and elder rights contributed to dialogue around SDG 5 and SDG 10, while discussions on public health, health literacy and access to healthcare highlighted priorities under SDG 3. Other panels explored social innovation, inclusive education and youth participation—offering perspectives linked to SDG 4 and SDG 16. Presentations from NGOs and ministries emphasized field-based challenges and policy needs, while academic contributors provided research-driven analyses and international comparisons.
By enabling sustained interaction between state institutions, civil society, universities and international experts, the symposium created an environment where diverse sectors could collaboratively examine social challenges and identify SDG-aligned solutions. The event helped bridge scientific research with policy practice, supported knowledge exchange across institutions, and strengthened regional capacity to address complex social issues through multi-stakeholder cooperation.
Symposium on Sustainable Development Goals and Cross-Sectoral Collaboration
Near East University organized the Symposium on Sustainable Development Goals and Cross-Sectoral Collaboration, an event designed explicitly to foster dialogue between academia, public institutions, private-sector leaders, and students on the implementation of the SDGs. The symposium positioned sustainability as a shared responsibility across sectors, offering a structured platform where participants could exchange perspectives on policy development, institutional practices, and community-level engagement.
Speakers from government institutions and partner organizations outlined emerging national and regional sustainability priorities, while private-sector representatives discussed industry-level challenges and opportunities aligned with SDG frameworks. Academic experts from Near East University contributed evidence-based insights on sustainability education, environmental monitoring, and long-term capacity building. The symposium strengthened cross-sector understanding of SDG progress and encouraged collaborative thinking toward more coherent and inclusive sustainability strategies.
Cross-Sectoral Dialogue on Animal Rights and Sustainable Ecosystems
Near East University took part in a Cross-Sectoral Dialogue Panel on Animal Rights and Sustainable Ecosystems, which brought together academics, civil-society organizations, and public-sector representatives to explore issues relating to environmental protection and animal welfare. The panel addressed themes connected to SDG 15 (Life on Land) and SDG 13, including ecosystem preservation, biodiversity threats, responsible care of animals, and the importance of regulatory and ethical frameworks in environmental governance.
Speakers from NGOs highlighted field-based challenges in animal protection and habitat conservation, while public-sector representatives discussed municipal responsibilities, legislation, and community interventions. Academic participants contributed scientific perspectives on sustainable ecosystems, ecological resilience, and awareness-raising initiatives. By convening diverse stakeholders with complementary expertise, the dialogue reinforced NEU’s role in promoting collaborative approaches to ecosystem protection and SDG-aligned environmental strategies.