Our Rector Prof. Dr. Esra Gençtürk Delivers the Opening Address at the Launch Event of “The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World Report 2022” Hosted by Özyeğin University

The launch event of the 2022 edition of “The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World Report” (SOFI 2022) prepared jointly by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF), United Nations World Food Program (WFP), World Health Organization (WHO), and World Meteorological Organization (WMO) was hosted by Özyeğin University. The event took place with a large attendance of the FAO, IFAD, WFP, and Özyegin University stakeholders, and the interactive participation of the youth. The SOFI 2022 launch event explored how countries can use their limited public resources and food more efficiently and effectively, with a special focus on its potential effects on food and agriculture.

The opening address was delivered by our Rector Prof. Dr. Esra Gençtürk. “In light of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals adopted by the United Nations, Özyeğin University leads multidimensional and multilayered efforts from education to research, and student club activities to joint projects with external stakeholders to educate young people who are the next generation of decision makers, and transform them into conscious and active individuals who are well-aware of the expansion, necessity, and requirements of sustainability. As an entrepreneurial research university leading a transformation that is not limited within the borders of our campus, we also take it to the heart to bring our scientific studies to life as practical and effective solutions. It is for these reasons that I am especially proud to host the launch event for this valuable report on food safety and security, one of the most critical issues facing humanity in order to achieve the goal of a better world. It is with no doubt that the findings of the report will be guiding for the development of new scenario analyses, recommended solutions, and fair and sustainable food systems. As Özyeğin University, we will continue to be an active part of this movement with all our faculty, staff, students, and alumni,” remarked Prof. Dr. Esra Gençtürk.

Viorel Gutu, Subregional Coordinator and FAO Representative in Türkiye, and Parvathy Ramaswami, WFP Türkiye Representative, also shared their opinions and the latest updates on the state of food security and nutrition around the world. The opening addresses were ensued with a presentation by Keigo Obara, Food Security Officer at FAO. Obara shared the important outputs of the SOFI 2022 Report with participants.

The event was concluded with a panel discussion moderated by Ayşegül Selışık, FAO Türkiye Representative, and held with the interactive contributions of all participants. The panel featured Associate Prof. Faik Gür, a faculty member at Özyeğin University, and Taylan Kıymaz, IFAD Türkiye Program Coordinator, as invited speakers.