Academics from Near East University conducted a special training program for female students of 20 Temmuz Science High School, introducing them to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the basics of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). The goal of the program was to raise awareness about sustainability and encourage students to set career goals in STEM fields, while also empowering future female leaders.

 

The training emphasized key SDG targets such as gender equality and quality education. During the sessions, the professors explained the role of STEM in innovation and problem-solving, while engaging students in interactive activities that turned theory into practice. The students explored global issues such as recycling, renewable energy, and climate change, developing creative solutions.

 

Near East University faculty members Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ayşe Arıkan Sarıoğlu, lecturer Aslı Akyol İnada, and Dr. Nezihal Gökbulut shared insights on how STEM fosters scientific thinking, enhances problem-solving skills, and promotes interdisciplinary collaboration.

 

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sarıoğlu highlighted the importance of SDGs in reducing poverty, minimizing environmental damage, combating climate change, and achieving social equality, stressing that the active involvement of youth is crucial for achieving these goals. “The steps you take today are valuable in building the future,” she stated.

 

Aslı Akyol İnada emphasized the significant role women can play in STEM, particularly in energy efficiency and environmentally friendly engineering solutions. Dr. Gökbulut also pointed out the important role of mathematics in solving problems across various fields, such as environmental sciences and biotechnology.