The event titled “Panel Discussion with Young Agriculture and Forestry Ambassadors,” organized in collaboration between the Minister of Environment, Urbanisation, and Climate Change and Kırşehir Ahi Evran University Faculty of Agriculture, took place on December 25, 2024, in the Faculty of Agriculture Conference Hall. The event was attended by Dr. Bülent Kahraman Çolakoğlu, Head of the Training and Publication Department of the Minister of Environment, Urbanisation and Climate Change, Branch Manager Mahmut Göktaş, the Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, Prof. Dr. Selahattin Çınar, as well as academic and administrative staff and a large number of students. Before the program, participants toured the photo exhibition of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry titled “Agriculture, Forestry, and Humanity.”
The program, which began with a moment of silence and the Turkish National Anthem, continued with the screening of an introductory video about the activities of the Minister of Environment, Urbanisation, and Climate Change. Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture Prof. Dr. Selahattin Çınar, who made the opening speech, expressed his happiness that the university was hosting such an event and thanked all participants for their attendance.
Speaking during the session, Dr. Bülent Kahraman Çolakoğlu, Head of the Training and Publication Department of the Ministry of Environment, Urbanisation, and Climate Change, emphasized that the future of the country lies in the hands of its youth. He explained that they had gathered to share the country's needs and expectations in the field of agriculture with the students and continued by addressing Turkiye’s agricultural initiatives: “The average age of farmers is 58. Imagine where we will be 20 years from now if we cannot lower this average. Please share your thoughts and suggestions with us. My greatest goal is to elevate professions like farming and shepherding to respected positions. We must do this for our homeland, our state, our nation, our values, ourselves, and future generations. We may have the best technologies in the world, but the people who will use those technologies must be healthy and physically capable. This can only be achieved by improving and sustaining agriculture. We need to be the best in the world in every field.” Dr. Bülent Kahraman Çolakoğlu emphasized the importance of raising awareness among young people for the country's future and advised them to develop themselves to the best of their abilities in their respective fields. He also invited them to the Ministry of Environment, Urbanisation, and Climate Change to exchange ideas and collaborate.
The program continued with a presentation by Branch Manager Mahmut Göktaş from the Training and Publication Department of the Minister of Environment, Urbanisation, and Climate Change. Göktaş provided students with detailed information about the ministry's activities, the support offered to producers and entrepreneurs, potential job opportunities in the private sector, the work of the Training and Publication Department, internship opportunities, and projects. He also shared insights into career opportunities within the ministry, explaining the various resources provided by the Minister of Environment, Urbanisation, and Climate Change and how students could benefit from them. Göktaş continued his speech with the following advice: “First, identify your talents. This is the initial step in knowing yourself and understanding your strengths. Then, focus on constantly developing these abilities. Always strive to take yourself one step further. Envision your future and create a clear plan to achieve these goals. Lastly, be patient and consistent. Success takes time, so move forward with determination at every step and never give up.”
At the end of the session, the Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, Prof. Dr. Selahattin Çınar, presented certificates of appreciation to Dr. Bülent Kahraman Çolakoğlu, Head of the Training and Publication Department, and Branch Manager Mahmut Göktaş.
Following the event, Dr. Bülent Kahraman Çolakoğlu and Mahmut Göktaş visited Rector of KAEU Prof. Dr. Mustafa Kasım Karahocagil, in his office. During the visit, discussions were held on potential collaborative efforts between KAEU and the Minister of Environment, Urbanisation, and Climate Change. Vice-Rector Musa Özata and the Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, Prof. Dr. Selahattin Çınar, also accompanied Rector Karahocagil during the meeting.
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