On October 4, 2024, the GLB 101 course at Abdullah Gül University (AGÜ) welcomed its first guest speaker of the Fall 2024-2025 semester. Dr. Sinan Akyüz from the Faculty of Architecture, delivered an insightful seminar focusing on the importance of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Dr. Akyüz began his talk by reflecting on the profound changes in human life over the past 200 years. He stressed that literacy is a crucial foundation for building a sustainable lifestyle and fostering a conscious, responsible society. In his discussion, Dr. Akyüz emphasized that while economic growth plays a vital role in achieving the SDGs, it alone is insufficient; it must be accompanied by efforts to improve living conditions and protect the environment.
Addressing the audience, Dr. Akyüz encouraged students to contemplate their future roles as engineers, architects, and scientists. “You have the potential to create new technologies that will help solve environmental issues,” he remarked, urging them to think about the local and global impact of their future work. He concluded his presentation by underscoring the significance of small, everyday actions, noting that even the smallest efforts can yield significant, long-term results.