• “We are determined to shape the future of higher education.”
• “By expanding access to higher education, we have largely completed the phase of large-scale expansion in higher education. We are now focused on further strengthening our system in terms of quality, specialization, applied learning, and international competitiveness.”
• “Universities have become strategic institutions at the center of knowledge production, economic development, social transformation, science diplomacy, and global competition.”
• EURAS President Prof. Mustafa Aydın: “International cooperation is not a trend but a necessity.”

April 7, 2026

The Eurasian Higher Education Summit (EURIE) 2026 commenced in Istanbul with the participation of 300 institutions from more than 60 countries.

President of the Council of Higher Education, Erol Özvar, began his opening speech at the summit, held at the Lütfi Kırdar Congress and Exhibition Center, by drawing attention to the ongoing deep humanitarian tragedy in Gaza.

Özvar stated that more than 70,000 people have lost their lives in what he described as genocidal attacks by Israel, and that Gaza’s physical and social infrastructure—including schools, hospitals, and places of worship—has been almost entirely destroyed. He emphasized that an entire generation in Palestine has effectively been deprived of access to higher education.

Noting that Türkiye has not remained indifferent to this tragedy and, under the instructions of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, has opened its doors to students from Gaza, Özvar added that no tuition fees are being charged to Palestinian students. He also stressed that the global higher education community should continue to stand in solidarity with the people of Gaza and assume moral responsibility.

Referring to the conflicts centered in Iran, Özvar stated: “We are closely following developments with deep concern. The loss of life, the damage inflicted on civilian infrastructure—especially educational institutions—is extremely alarming. Likewise, attacks targeting the infrastructure of fraternal countries in the Gulf region are also a serious cause for concern. I sincerely hope that these conflicts will come to an end as soon as possible without further escalation.”

President Özvar emphasized that the Eurasian Higher Education Summit has made significant contributions to the international higher education community for more than a decade, and noted that the 2026 Summit offers major opportunities to establish new partnerships, foster dialogue, and support lasting cooperation among institutions.

- “Türkiye Actively Responds to the Transformation in Higher Education”

Explaining that higher education worldwide is being reshaped not only by its internal dynamics but also by powerful and wide-ranging global trends, Özvar continued:

“Currently, around 250 million students are enrolled in higher education worldwide, and this number is projected to reach 600 million by 2040. Such remarkable growth necessitates a comprehensive reconsideration of higher education systems—not only in terms of access, but also with regard to quality, sustainability, digital transformation, and inclusivity.

Türkiye is actively responding to this transformation. Having largely completed the phase of widening access to higher education, our country is now focused on further strengthening our system in terms of quality, specialization, applied learning, and international competitiveness.”

- “Our focus is on quality, alignment with labor market needs, societal contribution, and international visibility.”

Emphasizing that universities today have become strategic institutions at the center of knowledge production, economic development, social transformation, science diplomacy, and global competition, Erol Özvar stated: “Every step taken in the field of higher education in Türkiye reflects not only the need to address today’s challenges, but also our determination to shape the future.”

Özvar noted that in recent years, the Council of Higher Education has adopted a comprehensive transformation approach focusing on quality assurance, alignment with labor market needs, societal contribution, and enhancing international visibility.

Stating that the transformation in higher education is guided by the “Türkiye Higher Education Vision Towards 2030,” Özvar explained that this vision—developed through extensive consultations with all universities—is built on four main pillars: “Quality-oriented process management and effective leadership,” “Digital transformation and data-driven governance,” “National and international reputation and visibility,” and “Entrepreneurial and innovative university.”

Highlighting that Türkiye has a dynamic and competitive higher education ecosystem enriched by diverse perspectives, Özvar said: “This system is built on core principles such as openness, quality, and global engagement. Through ongoing reforms, expanding international collaborations, and our strong commitment to excellence, we place a high priority on delivering quality education, advancing research, and fostering innovation.”

- EURAS President Aydın: “International cooperation is not a trend but a necessity”

Mustafa Aydın, Founding President of EURAS and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Istanbul Aydın University, also emphasized in his speech that international cooperation is not a trend but a necessity for universities.

Underlining the need for diverse perspectives, building bridges across cultures, cultivating global citizens, and establishing strategic partnerships in order to address global challenges, Prof. Aydın stated that no institution that fails to engage in international strategic cooperation can make a meaningful impact on its own.

Following the protocol speeches, President of the Council of Higher Education Prof. Erol Özvar inaugurated the exhibition area together with EURAS President Prof. Aydın, Deputy President of the Council of Higher Education Prof. Naci Gündoğan, CoHE Executive Board Members Prof. Hüseyin Karaman, Prof. Erol Arcaklıoğlu, Prof. Mahmut Ak, Prof. Arif Bilgin, along with rectors and other participants.

Özvar later visited the booths of universities and institutions from various countries.