BAU Becomes a Member of the Global University Coalition Established by the United Nations

Bahçeşehir University has become a member of the University Global Coalition, established by the UN and international universities.

A signing ceremony was held for Bahçeşehir University's membership in the University Global Coalition platform, which was established by the United Nations and international universities and became operational in May 2019 under the leadership of the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), on whose advisory board BAU Global President Enver Yücel serves.

The University Global Coalition agreement was signed by United Nations Assistant Secretary-General and United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) Executive Director Nikhil Seth and BAU President Prof. Dr. Şirin Karadeniz.

MIGRATION MEETING HELD

Following the signing, a meeting organized by Bahçeşehir University (BAU) was held on the reality of migration, which, especially in the last half century, has been shaped in the world and in Türkiye by sociological, psychological, political and economic disciplines. The meeting, held at the University's Beşiktaş South Campus, was attended by United Nations Assistant Secretary-General and United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) Executive Director Nikhil Seth, United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) International Training Center Türkiye President and Advisory Board Member Enver Yücel, BAU President Prof. Dr. Şirin Karadeniz, faculty deans, faculty members and academics.

At the meeting, moderated by BAU Head of the Department of Sociology Prof. Dr. Nilüfer Narlı, the importance of migration movements, the problems created by the global perception of migration and possible solutions were discussed. In addition, academics described the work carried out at the university for Syrian migrants in Türkiye and gave information about the projects they plan to carry out.

SETH: I VALUE TÜRKİYE'S EFFORTS

United Nations Assistant Secretary-General and United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) Executive Director Nikhil Seth said that the issue of migration is important in Türkiye: "I find Türkiye's efforts on this issue very important. I hope that the situation in the regions refugees come from will improve and that they will return home. I see that Türkiye's work on this issue is progressing very positively and properly."

WHAT IS THE UN'S ROLE IN THE ISSUE OF MIGRATION?

Emphasizing that the UN's role is to find partners to provide funding rather than to provide funding directly, Seth said: "Our task is to create the political and sociological environment for this sharing to take place. It is to ensure that the EU, other countries and international banks address this issue and provide support. The UN is more of a catalyst and organizer here."

"WE MUST SHOW UNDERSTANDING TO THOSE WHO MIGRATE"

Stating that 75 percent of migration in the world takes place from poor countries to poor countries, Seth said: "No one leaves their country willingly; it is always a difficult decision and comes about out of necessity. That is why we need to empathize with and show understanding to people who migrate. Türkiye has taken serious steps in this regard. It integrates migrants into society in terms of education and employment, without classifying them as 'us and them'. My hope is that all countries will act in this way."

"LOCAL GOVERNMENTS HAVE A GREAT ROLE TO PLAY"

Stating that local governments have an important role to play in the education of migrants, Seth said: "Instead of seeing people who migrate as a burden on countries, we need to see them as individuals who will take part in employment and education and contribute to the economy. I think it is very important to train local governments and increase their capacity in order to end discrimination and prejudice."

YÜCEL: THE UN IS THE UNIFYING FORCE IN SOLVING THE WORLD'S PROBLEMS

Enver Yücel, who said that he attaches great importance to Bahçeşehir University's inclusion in the United Nations (UN) coalition of universities, stated that great projects will be implemented in the future. Noting that the UN has begun to work differently with the coalition, Yücel said: "I see that it is striving to bring together hundreds of universities in various parts of the world and change their perspectives on social issues, and this is very important."

Noting that migration has been on Türkiye's agenda for 10 years, Yücel said: "We have always believed that the mission of universities is not only to educate students but also to address the social problems experienced in the world and in Türkiye. The world's problems are increasing day by day. There are issues awaiting different solutions. The UN is the unifying force in solving issues such as climate, poverty and education. States and universities need to support the UN."

SOCIAL INTEGRATION OF SYRIAN CHILDREN

BAU Head of the Department of Sociology Prof. Dr. Nilüfer Narlı said that city centers are the target in irregular migration: "Work is needed to ensure children's integration into social life. Currently, 62 percent of Syrian children in Türkiye have been integrated into the education system. This is an important achievement, but we need art and sports activities with quality contact that will bring Turkish and Syrian children together. Constructive contact is essential for people to break down the walls between them and overcome prejudices. We need such projects in Türkiye."

SIGNATURES FOR THE GLOBAL UNIVERSITY COALITION

Before the migration meeting, a signing ceremony was held for Bahçeşehir University's membership in the University Global Coalition platform, which was established by the United Nations and international universities and became operational in May 2019 under the leadership of the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), on whose advisory board BAU Global President Enver Yücel serves.