One of Turkey’s key gatherings shaping the country’s environmental vision, the Uludağ 2nd Environmental Forum was held on May 13–14, 2025, hosted by Bursa Business School.
This year’s theme: “Collective Vision for Sustainable Tomorrows”
The event brought together a wide range of participants from the public sector, private sector, academia, and civil society, focusing on future projections for environmental policies. The forum discussed, in detail, the new strategies to be implemented in combating climate change and achieving Turkey’s 2053 net zero emissions target.
Visionary Messages at the Opening Session
The forum’s opening speeches were delivered by Vedat Kılıç, Chairman of BTSO’s EU Compliance and Green Deal Council, and İbrahim Burkay, Chairman of Bursa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BTSO).
The Minister of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change, Murat Kurum, delivered one of the forum’s most notable speeches. Minister Kurum emphasized Turkey’s determination to reach its 2053 Net Zero Emissions goal and outlined the steps to be taken in this direction.
Key Topics Highlighted
Green Transformation and Competitiveness
The adaptation of industrial and manufacturing sectors to the green transformation process was discussed, with a focus on circular economy practices and carbon management systems.
Carbon Management Strategies
The forum examined carbon advantage models that can boost companies’ competitiveness and detailed practices aimed at reducing carbon footprints.
Green Growth and New Business Models
Comprehensive evaluations were made on how to achieve sectoral transformation to ensure environmentally conscious economic growth, along with discussions on emerging business models.
Sustainable Financing
Access to financial resources for green projects and newly emerging investment instruments in this field were discussed. Representatives of the finance sector underlined the importance of green financing.
Local Governments’ Solution-Oriented Approach
Bursa Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Mustafa Bozbey highlighted the seriousness of the mucilage problem in the Sea of Marmara. He emphasized the urgent need to implement advanced biological treatment systems. Bozbey also pointed to Bursa’s strong capacity in green transformation and environmental investments.
Strong Participation from Business and Academia
The forum also witnessed important collaborations on how the business world and academic circles can jointly work towards sustainability. Companies such as Erka Group, which were among the event sponsors, stated their active contribution to the Green Deal process.
