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.
Istanbul Aydın University President Prof. Dr. Mustafa Aydın held a productive meeting with Marcello Scalisi, the Director of the Mediterranean Universities Union (UNIMED). The discussion focused on collaboration and development opportunities among universities in the Mediterranean region. Following the meeting, Prof. Dr. Mustafa Aydın stated, “As Istanbul Aydın University and Cyprus Science University, we will continue to expand our international education and research networks.”
UNIMED (Union of Mediterranean Universities) Board of Directors Meeting for the month of February was held. Istanbul Aydın University (IAU) President Assoc. Prof. Mustafa Aydın, participated in the meeting where recent activities and planned new projects were mutually discussed. Additionally, there was an exchange of ideas to enhance regional collaborations.
The General Assembly was held on the third day of the meetings of Mediterranean Universities Union in Spain. In the General Assembly that board members were selected and fruitful speeches and presentations about world higher education were made, Istanbul Aydın University was selected for the board of management again.
The preparatory works for the higher education meeting that will be held on November 2023 in Morocco were evaluated and necessary plans were made.
In Granada University, Mediterranean Universities Union Conference was held with 150 attendants from 9 countries. After the opening speeches of Granada University Rector Pilar Aranda Ramirez, UNIMED President Francisco Matte Bonne and UNIMED General Secretary Hmaid Ben Aziza, many presentations in the simultaneous sessions were made.
UNIMED Board Member and İstanbul Aydın University President Assoc. Prof. Mustafa Aydın also made a presentation themed “The Role of Universities in Earthquakes and Natural Disasters”. In his presentation, he mentioned that the consequences of the earthquake disaster that took place in our country and involved many provinces on 6th February 2023, the impact of the earthquake on education and the work of IAU in the earthquake area.
In his speech, Assoc. Prof. Mustafa Aydın emphasized “It is essential that universities are not limited to desk job work in the projects in the field of disaster preparedness, joining the society to increase the interest of citizens, evaluate how good practices in this field in the world will be realized at the national level, develop functional projects and provide academic support in line with the vision they will ideally determine on how to prepare for disasters.”
At the end of the presentation, Assoc. Prof. Mustafa Aydın said “I present my gratitude UNIMED to bring us together today with the principle of strengthening academic alliances for peace and security and to Granada University which is the one of oldest and most established universities in the world for hosting this precious organization.”
On the first day of Spain UNIMED Meetings, Mediterranean Universities Union Board Meeting was held at Granada University. In the meeting, the previous meeting declarations were evaluated with the board members. In addition, the plans for the next period were discussed and necessary meetings on General Assembly preparations were made.
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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
