TÜBİTAK

The World Association of Industrial and Technological Research Organisations (WAITRO) Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Regional Forum Organisation, organised in cooperation with WAITRO and TÜBİTAK and chaired by President of WAITRO and TÜBİTAK Prof. Dr. Hasan Mandal, held at Gebze Campus.

Representatives from Algeria, Palestine, Iran, Qatar, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Jordan from the MENA region attended the event held at TÜBİTAK Gebze Campus, TÜBİTAK Marmara Research Center Conference Hall. In addition, representatives of different institutions and organizations from Germany, China, Denmark and Spain, as well as representatives of the United Nations (UN) Technology Bank, UN Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), and Islamic Development Bank also took part in the event.

Prof. Dr. Mandal: We are looking for perspectives on tackling global challenges over the next 10 years

TÜBİTAK and WAITRO President Prof. Dr. Hasan Mandal made a presentation titled "Cooperation Opportunities Based on Success Together for a Sustainable Future". Mandal said: “We will talk about the principles, how we can do it, why it is important and what we can do to strengthen communication and cooperation between WAITRO MENA region members and potential MENA members, to gain new members and to create synergy to produce common solutions to the problems of the MENA region.”

“We are looking for perspectives on tackling global challenges over the next 10 years. Unfortunately, we are faced with very serious challenges regarding the main issues of sustainability and the climate crisis. Among the most serious global risks in the short and long term, there are inadequate progress on climate change, civil security and natural disasters. These challenges will bring about problems such as food security, water security, energy security, as well as economic difficulties and high inflation. Unfortunately, we face these problems in every country and we say that such difficulties will increase even more in the future. So there is definitely a need for more than just a collaboration.”

Dr. Mandal underlined that “Climate change continues to pose serious risks for the MENA region and approximately 35.7 million hectares of agricultural land are currently affected by desertification. Mandal said, “Taking action on climate change, water, food and energy security and sustainability is a common need for countries and institutions in the MENA region. Transformation towards sustainability needs to be grounded in science, and advancing the sustainable development goals will require feasible and rapid development, as well as both social and technological innovation. It requires somehow scalable technologies.” he said.

Mandal stated that compared to the global challenges faced in the past, today's problems are interacted with each other, and added: “These are not individual challenges that can be solved alone. I'm talking about health, water, energy, food and migration. So I'm saying they're all interconnected. Therefore, there needs to be a new approach to solving such challenges. For this reason, I chose the title of my contribution as “Collaboration Possibilities Based on Co-Success for a Sustainable Future”.

Mandal: “A new approach is needed and that is why I emphasize once again the issue of “succeeding together””

A year ago, at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP 27) held in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, we said that the traditional science and technology approach will not help solve these problems. Therefore, a new approach is needed and that is why I emphasize once again the issue of "Succeeding together" he said. TÜBİTAK provides financing for universities, industry, individuals and schools, represents our country on the international platform and constitutes the driving force of the research ecosystem through its central institutes. Mandal also stated that WAITRO's mission is to promote sustainable development by strengthening member organizations and facilitating cooperation across borders.

“During our WAITRO Presidency, our vision is to effectively tackle climate change and complex global challenges while also focusing on sustainable development opportunities.”

Prof. Dr. Mandal said, “As the WAITRO Global Innovation Family, we emphasize the importance of being successful and focus our efforts on supporting a cooperation approach based on achieving together regionally and globally. “As also being the WAITRO MENA Regional Focal Point, we are committed to bringing together institutions in the region through co-creation-based collaboration for sustainability solutions.” he said.

In his opening speech, WAITRO Secretary General Paul E. Burrows said, "I would like to thank TÜBİTAK for agreeing to host the meeting to help us expand our footprint and story in the WAITRO MENA region and for making great efforts in establishing the meeting," and explained the history and organizational structure of WAITRO.

“We know very well that we all share similar problems, sustainability problems, climate problems, pollution problems in the coming years.” “This is a global problem, but their solutions are often in response to local conditions,” Burrows said. But the value of a single pearl is relatively limited. WAITRO is the thread that transforms these pearls into something more beautiful and more valuable.” he said.

In addition to the opening speeches at the event, a panel session on the history of WAITRO was held, followed by a facilitated brainstorming on MENA region challenges. In the last part of the first day, presentations were made by various organizations on Funding Opportunities for stakeholders in this region.

On the second day of the event, a workshop was held on Water within the scope of the Sustainable Development Goal called Clean Water and Sanitation.

WAITRO is an independent, non-profit organization established under the auspices of the UN in 1970. It brings together stakeholders on science, technology and innovation, including technology organizations and research universities, on an international scale, and provides its members and partners with the opportunity to establish networks, conduct joint scientific studies and share knowledge and experience in order to solve global problems and contribute to the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

TÜBİTAK President Prof. Dr. Hasan Mandal has been the president of WAITRO since the beginning of 2023. Mandal will hold this position for two years.