UN Resident Coordinator meets young people in Hatay

“Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are not just ideals but practical tools for rebuilding communities” said Dr. Babatunde Ahonsi UN Resident Coordinator in Türkiye at Mustafa Kemal University in Hatay, one of the cities most affected from the February 2023 earthquakes that shook southeastern Türkiye. 

More than 200 students, civil society organization respresentatives and academicians attended the “Talk with Youth” event at Mustafa Kemal University in Hatay to hear from and have discussions with the UN Resident Coordinator in Türkiye on building back better. Professor Veysel Eren, President of Mustafa Kemal University and Buse Eren a medical doctor working for Doctors of the World joined him on the panel.

Addressing the audience, the Resident Coordinator highlighted the SDGs as a blueprint for a better future, emphasizing their universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure peace and prosperity for all by 2030.

Drawing a practical connection between the SDGs and earthquake recovery, Dr. Ahonsi pointed out how these goals are not just ideals but practical tools for rebuilding communities. Specifically, he highlighted Goal 11, which focuses on sustainable cities and communities, stressing the importance of resilient infrastructure and inclusive urbanization in post-earthquake recovery.

Furthermore, he emphasized the significance of Goal 1, which aims to end poverty in all its forms, noting that investing in sustainable recovery efforts is crucial for ensuring that those most affected by the earthquake are not left behind. Ahonsi said the world knows how to end poverty; what is needed is the political will to implement the proven solutions. 

In a motivating message to the students, the Resident Coordinator highlighted their role in shaping the future, stating, "Your dreams, ambitions, and aspirations will become the future of the world." He also shared news about the upcoming Summit of the Future in New York, convened by the UN Secretary-General. The Summit aims to bring world leaders together to forge a new international consensus on delivering a better present and safeguarding the future.

The Summit, described as a once-in-a-generation opportunity, seeks to mend eroded trust and demonstrate that international cooperation can effectively tackle current challenges as well as those that may emerge in the future.

Mustafa Kemal University has 26,000 students and currently most of the departments are continuing their education online. 

During his opening speech at the event, MKU Rector Prof. Dr. Veysel Eren emphasized the duty incumbent upon all to rebuild and revive Hatay following the devastating earthquakes of February 6. He noted that the earthquakes had taught invaluable lessons in resilience and coping with challenges. Despite the challenges, Eren assured the students that all necessary efforts were being made to facilitate the return of students to their home campuses for face-to-face education. 

Dr. Buse Eren in her speech said she is actively involved in a project led by the Doctors of the World and UNFPA. Operating as mobile units, they reach remote regions and disadvantaged groups that would otherwise struggle to access essential healthcare services. Dr. Eren elaborated on the significance of the SDGs in advancing towards a more sustainable and inclusive world. Highlighting the pivotal role of SDG 3, which centers on health and well-being, Dr. Eren said they deliver crucial medical examinations, treatments, and informative sessions directly to areas where conventional healthcare services are scarce or non-existent.

The impact of these efforts is profound, with tangible benefits such as improved health outcomes, heightened awareness about preventive care, and a sense of empowerment among communities previously marginalized in the healthcare landscape. 

Challenges of the World

During the event an audience engagement platform was used, and the participants were asked what they think are the biggest challenges facing the world. Economy, wars, and global warming stood out among the answers received from the participants. 

Economy, wars, and global warming stood out among the answers received from the participants. 

The event served as a powerful reminder of the critical role of youth in driving sustainable development and rebuilding communities following natural disasters.