The second day of the Union for the Mediterranean Universities (UNIMED) General Assembly Meeting was held, focusing on key topics such as “University Management in the Mediterranean Region,” “Career Guidance,” and “Initiatives Against Climate Change.” In-depth analyses were conducted on these subjects, with participants addressing regional and global education issues, emphasizing the development of sustainable collaborations in higher education, and proposing innovative solutions.
During the second day of the meeting, the duration of the existing collaboration agreement between Istanbul Aydın University (İAÜ), Setif 2 University in Algeria, and Al-Ahliyya Amman University in Jordan was extended. Additionally, a collaboration protocol was signed between İAÜ and Erbil Polytechnic University.
Prof. Dr. Mustafa Aydın expressed, “This important agreement is a significant step for both institutions in developing international academic projects and implementing student exchange programs. Our goal is to create new opportunities in education and enhance knowledge sharing. I wish the best for both institutions.”
A gala dinner was organized on the first day of the UNIMED General Assembly, held at Istanbul Aydın University. The event, which hosted 200 members from 25 countries attending the General Assembly in Istanbul, featured a spectacular Bosphorus tour. During the dinner, Prof. Dr. Mustafa Aydın, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Istanbul Aydın University, thanked all the participants and those who contributed to the organization of the event.
The opening ceremony of the General Assembly of the Union for the Mediterranean Universities (UNIMED) was held at Istanbul Aydın University (IAÜ), with 200 members from 25 countries attending.
The event was graced by the presence of Deputy President of the Council of Higher Education (YÖK) Prof. Dr. Haldun Göktaş, Deputy Minister of Culture and Tourism of Turkey Gökhan Yazgı, Prof. Dr. Mustafa Aydın, President of IAÜ and Board Member of UNIMED, UNIMED President Prof. Khereih Rassas, UNIMED Secretary General Hmaid Ben Aziza, Deputy Secretary General of Union for the Mediterranean Joan Borrell, and UNIMED Director Marcello Scalisi.
The ceremony began with opening speeches. Prof. Dr. Mustafa Aydın emphasized in his speech, “In this platform, where we have come together to enhance scientific, cultural, and academic collaborations in the Mediterranean Region, we are taking important steps for the future of our region. As Istanbul Aydın University, we are proud to be a part of UNIMED for 17 years. I believe we will achieve even greater successes together.”
UNIMED President Prof. Khereih Rassas highlighted the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and stressed the importance of education as one of humanity’s strongest tools, particularly in these challenging times when access to education in Gaza has become increasingly difficult. He underscored the importance of solidarity among academics.
Prof. Dr. Haldun Göktaş, Deputy President of YÖK, spoke about Turkey’s significant international projects in higher education and the responsibility of universities in nurturing future leaders through knowledge sharing. He noted that universities should not only focus on scientific achievements but also work toward human rights, peace, and sustainable development. He stressed the importance of training students to be individuals capable of solving global challenges.
Deputy Minister of Culture and Tourism Gökhan Yazgı, during the ceremony, highlighted the significance of Arslantepe Mound being included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. He then presented a plaque to Prof. Dr. Francesca Balossi Restelli, the head of the Arslantepe Mound Excavation, for her dedicated efforts in preserving and promoting historical heritage.
Prof. Dr. Mustafa Aydın concluded by expressing his heartfelt gratitude to all those who contributed to the success of the event. He emphasized the importance of strengthening collaborations in the field of education to provide a better future for the youth, who are the guarantee of tomorrow. “Education is the most powerful tool for transforming societies. Therefore, under the UNIMED umbrella, enhancing our international cooperation, sharing experiences, and developing new projects are of great importance. Together, we will continue our struggle for a brighter future,” he said.
The UNIMED Board of Directors Meeting was held at Boğaziçi University, with the participation of Boğaziçi University Rector Prof. Dr. Mehmet Naci İnci, UNIMED President Prof. Khereih Rassas, and IAU President Prof. Dr. Mustafa Aydın, along with other UNIMED Board members.
During the meeting, key issues regarding advancing cooperation in higher education were discussed. Prof. Dr. Mustafa Aydın emphasized, “The decisions made represent a significant step towards shaping our strategies for the upcoming period and strengthening inter-university solidarity.”
A meeting was held at Istanbul Aydın University (IAU) between the Union for the Mediterranean Universities (UNIMED) and Turkish universities.
The meeting was attended by UNIMED President Prof. Khereih Rassas, UNIMED Honorary President Prof. Wail Benjelloun, UNIMED Director Marcello Scalisi, Prof. Dr. Mustafa Aydın, President of IAÜ and UNIMED Board Member, along with representatives from various universities.
The meeting provided an opportunity to take significant steps toward enhancing academic collaboration in the Euro-Mediterranean region.
IAU President Prof. Dr. Mustafa Aydın, attended a dinner invitation hosted by Düzce Mayor and Former Minister of Industry and Technology, Dr. Faruk Özlü.
During the event, prominent businesspeople and academics from Turkey gathered to discuss opportunities and threats in industry and trade.
A Mevlit ceremony was held at the T Block mosque of Istanbul Aydın University (IAU) in honor of the late Ayşe Çebi, the mother of Küçükçekmece Mayor Kemal Çebi. The ceremony was attended by IAU President Prof. Dr. Mustafa Aydın, Mayor Kemal Çebi, and the deputy mayors of Küçükçekmece.
Prof. Dr. Ahmet Bolat, Chairman of the Board of Turkish Airlines, along with Mehmet Erdoğan, Member of the Board of TAV, Hediye Güral, Chairman of NG Hotels, and Banu Dedeman, President of Dedeman Holding, visited Istanbul Aydın University (IAU).
During the visit, discussions were held regarding new regions in Turkey for cultural tourism. Ideas were exchanged on the development of these regions. Following the meeting, IAU President Prof. Dr. Mustafa Aydın, expressed his gratitude for the pleasant discussions and the visit.
The October meeting of the Western Platform, a think tank of Istanbul Aydın University (IAU), was held. The guest speaker for this meeting was T.R. Minister of Justice Yılmaz Tunç.
During the meeting, development projects in the western regions, as well as collaboration between education, the business world, and the public sector, were discussed. In this context, IAU President Prof. Dr. Mustafa Aydın stated, “These initiatives, which focus on social development, play a significant role in regional development both academically and economically. As IAÜ, we will continue to contribute to Turkey’s development through the academic and social responsibility projects of the Western Platform!”
The opening ceremony for the 2024-2025 academic year of Istanbul Aydın University (IAU) was held with the participation of T.C. Minister of Justice Yılmaz Tunç, IAU President Prof. Dr. Mustafa Aydın, IAU Vice Rector Prof. Dr. İbrahim Hakkı Aydın, and many academics.
After the opening speeches by Prof. Dr. İbrahim Hakkı Aydın, Deputy Rector of IAU, and President Prof. Dr. Mustafa Aydın, T.C. Minister of Justice Yılmaz Tunç delivered the opening lecture.
Following this, T.C. Minister of Justice Yılmaz Tunç presented awards to the academics who were included in the 2024 World’s Most Influential Scientists list, which was announced in collaboration with Elsevier and Stanford University. He congratulated the academics for their contributions to science and international success, and expressed gratitude to Prof. Dr. Mustafa Aydın, President of IAÜ, for his continuous support of academics.
Follow on Twitter
Follow on Twitter for news, updates and notices.
Istanbul Aydin University Chairman of the Board of Trustees / BIL Holding and BIL Education Institutions Chairman of the Board of Directors / Cyprus Science University Honorary President
