Hacettepe University is continuing its work in the fields of climate action and sustainability ahead of the 31st Conference of the Parties (COP31) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, which will take place in Antalya from 9 to 20 November 2026. Whilst channelling its multidisciplinary capacity in the fields of education, research, healthcare and social contribution towards climate action, the University aims to raise the profile of the knowledge, projects and best practice examples it has developed in this area at both national and international levels during the COP31 process.
In addition to the thematic webinars organised ahead of COP31, workshops, seminars and various events are being held across the University’s campuses. Information regarding the activities carried out as part of this process is shared via the website cop31.hacettepe.edu.tr.
Hacettepe University views COP31 not merely as a set of activities focused on the conference period, but as a long-term opportunity for institutional transformation where scientific knowledge is transformed into social benefit, and where education, research, healthcare services, campus initiatives and social contribution are integrated within a common framework of climate action.
In this regard, our university aims to transform the knowledge, experience and practical expertise gained from completed and ongoing projects into new and scalable solution models. Strengthening institutional capacity through atlases of expertise, open-access digital platforms and interdisciplinary networks is also among the key objectives of this process.
The aim is to ensure that the partnerships, scientific outputs and best practices established under COP31 are not limited to the conference period, but are continued thereafter in a timely, measurable, sustainable and scalable manner.
These efforts are being undertaken in the face of climate change, whose impacts on ecosystems, human health and economic and social systems are steadily increasing. Climate change, which necessitates not only emission reductions but also adaptation and resilience strategies, stands out as one of the fundamental global challenges requiring all stakeholders to take urgent and coordinated action.
Our university’s social contribution policy
Hacettepe University’s societal contribution policy is grounded in the principle of transforming the knowledge, services, and practices generated through education, research, science, technology, culture, arts, sports, and healthcare into tangible benefits for society. The policy prioritizes the translation of high-quality research outputs into societal impact, close collaboration with policy-making and implementing institutions, the provision of pioneering healthcare services, the sharing of the University’s knowledge base and physical infrastructure with society, and the promotion of an inclusive, environmentally responsible university culture that is sensitive to human and animal rights. Its overarching aim is to make a sustainable, inclusive, and measurable contribution to the well-being of Türkiye and humanity.
In line with this approach, on 3 July 2019, the Hacettepe University Senate formally endorsed the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Since then, the University has continued to strengthen participatory, interdisciplinary, and international collaborations aimed at addressing local, national, and global challenges in accordance with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Detailed information on the University’s sustainability commitments and related activities is available on the Sustainability website. Through the activities coordinated by the Sustainable Campuses Coordination Office, good practices in sustainability are implemented across University campuses, while awareness, engagement, and participation among students and staff are continuously promoted.