1. Institutional Commitment & Strategic Alignment
Atatürk Üniversitesi has formally aligned its institutional strategy with the Birleşmiş Milletler Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). On 20 June 2024, the university announced that its 2024-2028 Strategic Plan had been made compatible with the SDGs, identifying key goals such as SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 8 (Decent Work & Economic Growth), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). veri.atauni.edu.tr+2avesis.atauni.edu.tr
This strategic alignment demonstrates the university’s intention to embed cross-sectoral partnerships and SDG-oriented dialogues at the highest level of governance.
2. Dialogue with Government, NGOs & Civil Society
2.1 University-STK (NGO) Dialogue Events
Atatürk Üniversitesi hosts regular University-STK Buluşmaları (University-NGO Meetings), which serve as formal platforms bringing together government, civil society and academia. For example:
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The 8th University-STK meeting, held at Konuk Evi 2, brought together 192 representatives from civil society organizations in Erzurum, in cooperation with the Erzurum Governorship and Metropolitan Municipality. Atatürk Üniversitesi
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The 7th meeting was conducted as an iftar programme, involving approximately 200 STK, associations and foundations, and emphasizing the university’s commitment to city-wide engagement. Atatürk Üniversitesi
These events illustrate that the university initiates and participates in significant cross-sectoral dialogues involving NGOs and local government.
2.2 Establishment of Thematic Commissions
In the 4th University-STK event, eight specialist commissions were created (e.g., Education, Science-Industry, Culture & Arts, Health, Agriculture & Livestock, Media) each chaired by a university professor and linking to relevant civil society groups. Atatürk Üniversitesi
This demonstrates structured engagement: rather than ad-hoc meetings, the university has set up working groups that aim to translate dialogue into action across sectors.
2.3 Multi-Stakeholder Public Forums & Conferences
Beyond internal meetings, Atatürk Üniversitesi hosts conferences and seminars that involve government agencies, NGOs and academic stakeholders around SDG-related themes. For example:
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The university’s Solid & Hazardous Waste Management Coordination Office held a seminar titled “Yeşil Kampüs Yolunda” with invited speakers from the SDSN Türkiye (Sustainable Development Solutions Network Turkey) and REC Turkey. birimler.atauni.edu.tr
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The AVESİS module of the university tracks SDG-related publications, demonstrating research-policy-civil society linkages. avesis.atauni.edu.tr
3. Cross-Sectoral Dialogue in Practice: SDG17 & Beyond
Given that SDG 17 emphasises partnerships and cross-sector dialogue, the university’s activities strongly satisfy the indicator 17.2.2 — “initiates and participates in cross-sectoral dialogue on the SDGs”:
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With NGOs: regular large-scale gatherings of STK representatives with university leadership and local government.
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With Government: joint events involving the Governorship, municipal authorities and university units.
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With Academia & Industry: commissions and conferences connecting academic research with societal and policy actors.
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The university’s strategic plan and reports link directly to SDG frameworks, enabling an integrated approach to measuring and collaborating on SDG outcomes.
4. Evidence of Sectoral Integration & Outcomes
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The University-STK meeting results are used to feed into city-level planning: for example, the 8th meeting targeted follow-up through a “Şehir Arama Konferansı” scheduled for 21–22 December. Atatürk Üniversitesi
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The thematic commissions created in 2025 link academic departments (e.g., Culture & Arts, Agriculture) with STKs and foundations, enabling ongoing policy inputs and civil society involvement. Atatürk Üniversitesi
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Research infrastructure such as AVESİS shows capacity for monitoring and data on SDG-related outputs, supporting evidence-based dialogue. avesis.atauni.edu.tr
