Özyeğin University Hosted Experts to Talk About the Future of Agriculture and Food

We were pleased to host distinguished experts on our campus to raise awareness among our students and draw attention to the importance of sustainable agriculture and food security. Organized on October 17, 2025, as part of the “365 Days of Action” campaign marking the 80th anniversary of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the first session of the FAO Talks panel series was held at Özyeğin University. Centered around the theme “Hand in Hand for a Better Life and a Better Future,” the event brought together experts and young participants to discuss key topics, including the preservation of agricultural and cultural heritage, combating climate change, food security, digital transformation, empowering women producers, and sustainable gastronomy.

In his opening remarks, Prof. M. İrşadi Aksun, Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Impact at Özyeğin University, stated: “Through this panel series, we aim to raise awareness among young people on critical issues such as sustainable agriculture, food security, climate change, and biodiversity, and to encourage their active engagement in the process. We sincerely believe that our students will become the strongest advocates of this vision.”

The event included a panel, hosted by the Sustainability Platform Community Development Programme at Özyeğin University and moderated by Sustainable Life Ambassador and FAO Food Champion Dilara Koçak. It featured Dr. Ayşegül Selışık, FAO Assistant Representative in Türkiye; Cavit Metin, Director of Private Label Products, Foreign Trade Business Development, and Regional Marketing at Migros; Sinem Özler, Chef at Seraf Restaurant; Nazlı Pişkin, Culinary Culture Writer; and Dr. Aslı Zuluğ, Faculty Member at Özyeğin University. During the session, the panelists addressed critical issues including food waste, sustainable agriculture, and food security, urging young people to take an active role in shaping the future of food and agriculture. As part of World Food Day awareness efforts, the event underscored the transformative power of education and invited youth to become key actors in building a sustainable future.