Speaker of the TRNC Parliament, Ziya Öztürkler who attended the opening ceremony of the “4th International Symposium on Social Research and Development” at Girne University on Monday emphasized the importance of societal awareness in shaping and sustaining higher education.

Speaking to an audience of academics and professionals, Parliamentary Speaker Ziya Öztürkler highlighted that higher education cannot be solely defined by the Ministry of National Education and YÖDAK but must also integrate deeply with societal needs and values.

He pointed out that factors such as traffic safety, housing, quality of life, and effective public services are critical to creating an environment where higher education can thrive.

Öztürkler also stressed the need for significant changes in the higher education sector.

He expressed confidence in the efforts of the Ministry of National Education and YÖDAK to bring about these transformations, emphasizing that quality must remain a top priority.

He called for the establishment of a dedicated Higher Education Quality Board within YÖDAK to oversee improvements.

Furthermore, Öztürkler noted the essential role of universities in serving the community beyond their traditional education and research missions.

He advocated for the creation of research and development centres that address the expectations of people from all age groups and social backgrounds.

Touching on the growing importance of technological advancements, Öztürkler urged a stronger focus on artificial intelligence research and development.

He expressed hope that the symposium would generate valuable insights and guide future initiatives in the field of higher education.