Our Rector Prof. Dr. Osman Nuri Çelik attended the Water Efficiency Summit, hosted by the Zero Waste Foundation and the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, under the auspices of First Lady Emine Erdoğan, as part of the activities marking World Water Day.

 

The summit aimed to reinforce the targets and strategies outlined in the National Water Efficiency Mobilization, which was initiated by the Ministry under the leadership of First Lady Emine Erdoğan. The event took place at the Beştepe National Congress and Culture Center.

 

In her speech, First Lady Emine Erdoğan emphasized the urgency of a nationwide effort to protect Turkey’s water resources. She remarked, “Even though we may assume the natural riches that have sustained these lands for millennia will continue indefinitely, our resources are not limitless. Declining rainfall and unconscious water consumption threaten our agricultural lands, wetlands, streams, and groundwater reserves with drought. For both humanity and all living beings, the fight against drought is, in essence, a fight for life. With this perspective, we launched the National Water Efficiency Mobilization to create hope for a sustainable future, drop by drop.”

 

“The Consequences of Drought and Depleting Groundwater Levels Are Clearly Visible in Konya”

 

In his remarks, Minister of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change Murat Kurum stated that despite the Earth being endowed with sufficient water resources, uncontrolled usage over the last century has triggered a global water crisis. “The pollution of water and soil has disrupted ecological balance, accelerating a process that now threatens global extinction. Drought has reached an alarming level. We are already witnessing its consequences in Konya, where more than 2,500 sinkholes have formed and groundwater levels have dropped to depths of 250–300 meters — whereas 20–25 years ago, water could be accessed at just 40–50 meters.”

 

Minister Kurum also noted that Turkey is now classified among water-stressed countries in terms of per capita water availability, warning that unless urgent measures are taken, the country could soon fall into the category of water-scarce nations. He stressed the vital importance of using water efficiently, treating wastewater for reuse, and safeguarding existing water resources for future sustainability.

 

“Efficient Water Use Is the Key to a Livable Future for All Generations”

 

Rector Prof. Dr. Osman Nuri Çelik expressed his appreciation for participating in the summit, which was held to raise global awareness about water efficiency and sustainability. In his statement, he said:

 

“Water is the essence of life. Rapid population growth, industrialization, and climate change are putting immense pressure on our water resources. Therefore, efficient use of water is not only critical for today but also for ensuring a healthy and livable environment for future generations. This

 

summit offers an important opportunity to implement water efficiency strategies through strong cooperation among universities and other stakeholders. As a university, we remain committed to conducting scientific research and developing projects on critical topics such as environmental protection, wastewater treatment, and sinkhole formation.”

 

The event also featured the screening of a promotional film for the National Water Efficiency Mobilization, and speeches by Minister of Agriculture and Forestry İbrahim Yumaklı and Minister of Industry and Technology Mustafa Varank, both of whom highlighted the critical importance of water efficiency.

 

 

Konya Technical University KTUN