City University of Hong Kong
City University of Hong Kong
City University of Hong Kong
City University of Hong Kong City University of Hong Kong
City University of Hong Kong

UN FIRST Programme Explores Strategic Partnership with Sabancı University

3 October 2025

The Fostering Innovation for Resilience and Sustainable Transformation (FIRST) programme, a UNESCO-endorsed initiative, hosted a pivotal online meeting on September 22, 2025 with Sabancı University to discuss the potential for collaboration. The meeting, led by Prof. Edwin Tso, Programme Director of UN FIRST, explored opportunities for Sabancı University to join the programme’s mission to address global sustainability challenges through transformative technological innovation and international collaboration.

The FIRST programme, spearheaded by City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK), continues to expand its global network by engaging with leading academic and research institutions. Through this partnership, the programme aims to further its mission of advancing sustainable solutions and fostering resilience on a global scale.

Sabancı University was represented by an esteemed group of professors, including Prof. Emre Selçuk, Prof. Gül Günaydın, and Prof. Cavit Baran from the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Additionally, Prof. Emre Erdem, Prof. Murat Kaya, Prof. Alp Yürüm, and Prof. Burç Mısırlıoğlu from the Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences contributed valuable expertise in energy and environmental innovation.

(Left to right, top to bottom: Prof. Edwin Tso, Prof. Emre Selçuk, Prof. Murat Kaya, Prof. Cavit Baran, Prof. Burç Mısırlıoğlu, Prof. Gül Günaydın, Prof. Alp Yürüm, and Prof. Emre Erdem)

 
   

The discussions, led by Prof. Tso, reflected a shared commitment to sustainability and innovation. Sabancı University’s interdisciplinary expertise aligns closely with the FIRST programme’s goals of resilience and sustainable transformation, making the university a promising partner for future collaboration.

“We are excited about the possibility of working with Sabancı University and look forward to welcoming more institutions to join the FIRST programme. Together, we can create transformative solutions to address the critical challenges of energy, environment, and sustainability,” said Prof. Edwin Tso, Programme Director of UN FIRST.

The UN FIRST programme remains committed to expanding its global impact by fostering partnerships with world-class institutions. By uniting diverse expertise and resources, the programme seeks to develop innovative solutions for a more sustainable future.