Young people, experts, and NGOs came together for water sustainability

As part of World Water Day, Bornova Municipality hosted an awareness event under the theme “Water and Gender,” bringing together students, experts, and civil society organizations to highlight both the sustainability of water and its dimension of social equality. Through presentations, a panel, and workshops, awareness was raised, while schools that collected waste batteries were also awarded. The event emphasized that water is both an environmental and a social right.

Bornova Municipality organized a remarkable awareness event this year within the scope of March 22 World Water Day, focusing on the theme “Water and Gender.” Held at the Nevzat Kavalar Cultural Center Wedding Hall, the program brought together students, academics, and NGO representatives to discuss the vital importance of water from multiple perspectives.

The event also highlighted the significance of World Water Day, declared by the United Nations General Assembly in 1993, emphasizing issues such as access to water, sustainability, and social equality.

Experts highlight water, climate, and lifestyle

In the first part of the program, expert speakers delivered important messages. Fatma Mesutgil, Director of Climate Change and Zero Waste at Bornova Municipality, emphasized that the climate crisis increases pressure on water resources and underlined that the social equality dimension of water management should not be overlooked.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Meneviş Uzbey Pirilli from the Zeytince Ecological Life Support Association drew attention to the impact of sustainable lifestyle habits on water and carbon footprints, stating that individual choices can help reduce environmental impact.

Nisan Çen from AIESEC İzmir highlighted the critical importance of “Life Below Water” within sustainability goals for the future.

Awards for schools collecting waste batteries

As part of the event, schools in Bornova that showed sensitivity in collecting waste batteries were awarded. Batı Anadolu Cement Primary School, Reşat Turhan Secondary School, Malazgirt Primary School, Şehit Erol Olçok Anatolian Imam Hatip High School, Şehit Sabri Emir Primary School, and Çamdibi Kordon Birlik Secondary School received sports equipment sets.

“Water and Gender” panel by youth

In the “Water and Gender” panel, held with the active participation of middle and high school students, young participants shared their views on inequalities in access to water and its social impacts. Speeches by Nil Sultan Can, Melike Beyza Eşlik, and Ayşe Tutgun highlighted that water is not only an environmental issue but also a social one.

Awareness reinforced through hands-on workshop

In the final part of the program, students participated in a hands-on workshop, creating compositions and drawings aligned with the World Water Day theme, expressing what they learned in creative ways.

Mayor Eşki: “Access to water is also a matter of equality”

Bornova Mayor Ömer Eşki emphasized that water is not only a natural resource but also a fundamental human right. He stated:
“Water is not only the source of life but also a part of social justice. The theme ‘Water and Gender’ is extremely valuable in making inequalities in access to water visible. As Bornova Municipality, we will continue our efforts that both protect the environment and raise social awareness with determination.”