The 17 sustainable development goals set by the United Nations in 2015 aim to improve the overall well-being of humanity and the planet. These goals provide an important roadmap in the economic, social and environmental spheres, outlining the steps needed for the sustainability of the world. However, as we approach 2030, rapid action is needed at the global level to achieve these goals.

In the program we launched under the umbrella agenda “On the Trail of Water”, our Sustainability Platform will examine the environmental, economic and social impacts of water scarcity in detail in the 2023-2024 academic year. Many interviews, panels and workshops are organized with the support of all faculties and administrative units, aiming to develop sustainable solutions by emphasizing the cooperation of different disciplines to deal with this vital problem.

In 2023-24, we continue to focus on urgent issues, emphasizing the importance of water. Both the necessity of the global agenda and the state of water resources on and around the campus have made water a priority on our agenda. In this process, we observe that during periods of drought, reliable drinking water supplies are diminishing and renewable water resources are being depleted. If current trends continue, it is predicted that by 2050, one in four people will face water shortages. Factors such as an increase in the frequency and impacts of extreme weather events, rising sea levels, rising ocean acidity levels and melting glaciers are seriously threatening human communities as well as vegetation, animals and ecosystems.

Along with environmental problems, the social and cultural dimensions of the water crisis are becoming increasingly evident. Among the Sustainable Development Goals, “water”-related targets are addressed under the headings of Clean Water and Sanitation (SDG6), Climate Action (SDG13), Life in Water (SDG14) and Life on Land (SDG15). But all the goals are deeply interrelated and we can only achieve them by strengthening partnerships and developing the ability to act together (SDG17).

Past and Current Projects (SP)

By actively participating in the National Water Efficiency Campaign, our university aims to prevent future water shortages by setting a water consumption reduction target of 25% in campus buildings and green areas. To ensure efficient use of water, we are making various technical improvements for the use of gray water and rainwater. We are proud to be the first university in Turkey to measure its footprint, report its measurements and share them with the public.

As part of World Food Day on October 16th, the anniversary of the establishment of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), we organized the panel “Understanding Global Developments on the Trail of Water” on our campus. This event was one of the steps aimed at creating awareness and change on a global scale under the title “Water is life, water is food, leave no one behind” in Turkey and around the world in 2023.

We also organize training modules and workshops on effective management of water with national and international NGOs, universities from Germany, Italy, Spain and Poland, as part of the Attune Take Action Against Climate Change Project.

As an entrepreneurial university, we demonstrate our commitment to developing pragmatic solutions for effective water management by fully supporting pioneering start-ups such as Aqualley Information Technologies and Blueit, which aim to increase water access and optimize consumption.

Last year, OLTE launched a sustainability module called “OzU Water” as part of SEC 101, a compulsory course for first-year students. This module aims to equip students with self-regulation skills, emphasizing water conservation. In addition, student clubs organize various activities to raise awareness on the fight against drought and promote water conservation.

As part of this movement, which we launched under the umbrella agenda “On the Trail of Water”, our Sustainability Platform will continue to examine the environmental, economic and social impacts of water scarcity in detail in the 2023-2024 academic year. With the support of all faculties and units, it will organize the interviews, panels and workshops listed below, which aim to develop sustainable solutions by emphasizing the cooperation of different disciplines to deal with this vital problem.