Representing a milestone in the development of bilateral relations in the field of higher education and research, the “The First Forum of Rectors of Türkiye and Poland” was held with broad participation under the auspices of our University.

Organized by our University’s Institutional Office for International Relations and held at the Rectorate Mimar Kemaleddin Hall, the event was attended by the President of the Council of Higher Education (YÖK) Prof. Erol Özvar, Poland’s Minister of Higher Education and Science Marcin Kulasek, our Rector, Prof. Uğur Ünal, Rector of the University of Gdańsk and CRASP Representative for Cooperation with Türkiye Prof. Piotr Stepnowski, Vice-President of the Conference of Rectors of Academic Schools in Poland (CRASP) and Rector of AGH University of Kraków Prof. Jerzy Lis, along with guest rectors, deans, directors, heads of departments, academics, and distinguished guests.

The program began with the national anthems of Poland and Türkiye, followed by a musical performance by the Gazi Youth Chamber Orchestra under the direction of Prof. Mehmet Efe from the Department of Music Education at Gazi Faculty of Education.

The screening of the Gazi University’s promotional film was followed by the opening address delivered by our Rector Prof. Uğur Ünal. Highlighting that Türkiye and Poland are located in different geographies, Rector Prof. Uğur Ünal said, “Throughout history, both nations have stood close to one another with their struggles for freedom, independence, and justice.”

Rector Prof. Uğur Ünal continued: “The close and sincere political, commercial, and cultural relations between these two nations have continued uninterruptedly from the Ottoman era to the present day. As members of the academic world of our two countries, we bear a mission that will shape not only the future of our universities but also of our societies. Today’s gathering is a concrete expression of this mission.”

Stating his belief that the forum would mark the beginning of strong future partnerships, Rector Prof. Uğur Ünal concluded: “I extend my gratitude to Poland’s Minister of Higher Education and Science, Marcin Kulasek, our Council of Higher Education President Prof. Erol Özvar, representatives of the Conference of Rectors of Academic Schools in Poland, and all esteemed rectors who contributed to the realization of this meaningful meeting.”

Taking the floor next, Vice-President of CRASP and Rector of AGH University of Kraków, Prof. Jerzy Lis provided information about Poland’s higher education system and universities. He also explained the structure, aims, and activities of CRASP, one of the organizers of the forum, and expressed his thanks to those who contributed to the event.

Rector of the University of Gdańsk and CRASP Representative for Cooperation with Türkiye, Prof. Piotr Stepnowski then, spoke about collaborations in higher education and scientific activities between Poland and Türkiye. He emphasized how the geopolitical importance of both countries influences scientific and academic cooperation, and he concluded his remarks with insights into student mobility between Türkiye and Poland at undergraduate and graduate levels.

Speaking at the event, Poland’s Minister of Higher Education and Science, Marcin Kulasek expressed his great honor and pleasure in attending the opening of the forum. Stressing that the forum would provide a new perspective for Türkiye–Poland relations, he highlighted the significance of bilateral cooperation.

Minister Marcin Kulasek underlined Poland’s commitment to higher education initiatives and voiced his happiness over the growing number of Erasmus+ students between Türkiye and Poland. He also emphasized that Türkiye is an important partner for Poland in the field of science, extending his gratitude to all supporters.

President of Council of Higher Education, Prof. Erol Özvar began his address by drawing attention to the situation in Gaza, noting that students and higher education there are also negatively affected by acts of terror. “As higher education institutions of Türkiye and Poland, we defend academic freedom and call for a ceasefire,” he said.

Pointing out that there are other global issues affecting higher education, Council of Higher Education President Prof. Erol Özvar stated: “We see that international collaboration of universities in higher education play a significant role in addressing global challenges. I am confident that this forum will present us with a vision to develop solutions to such challenges.”

Noting that their aim is not only academic success but also social development, technological and scientific innovations worldwide, Council of Higher Education President Prof. Erol Özvar concluded: “International collaborations through events like this forum are crucial. Moreover, our President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan also attaches great importance to the global success of Turkish higher education institutions. On this occasion, I thank everyone who contributed to the organization of this event.”

After the opening speeches, the forum continued with various sessions organized according to scientific fields, followed by the closing session. In the closing session, on behalf of our University, Vice-Rector Prof. Hasan Tezer delivered a speech. Stressing that the forum enabled fruitful collaborations between the higher education institutions of Türkiye and Poland, Prof. Hasan Tezer noted that many memorandums of understanding would be signed between the universities of both countries. Expressing his pleasure in hosting the Polish delegation at our University, Vice-Rector Prof. Hasan Tezer thanked all those who contributed to the forum, especially our University’s Coordinator of Institutional Office for International Relations, Prof. Aslıhan Selcen Bingöl.

Following the closing speeches, memorandums of understanding were signed between the universities of the two countries.