Turkish Young Academy Attended the KOINON Academy Inaugural Symposium

The Inaugural Symposium organized by the International Community of Academies (KOINON) and hosted by the Academy of Athens was held on 9–10 February 2026 at the Academy of Athens’ Neoclassical Building. Bringing together representatives of the world’s leading academies and distinguished scientists, the symposium marked an important international gathering symbolizing the official launch of KOINON’s activities.

Turkish Young Academy President Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mürsel Doğrul also participated, representing Türkiye on the international academic platform. The symposium highlighted interdisciplinary cooperation, science diplomacy, and the development of joint solutions to global challenges.

Over the course of two days, seven sessions were held covering a wide range of topics, including artificial intelligence, human health and intelligence, economy and social transformation, archaeology and history, climate change, protection of cultural heritage, mega-disasters, and quantum science.

Following the opening remarks by KOINON Board Chair Prof. Dr. Christos Zerefos and President of the Academy of Athens Prof. Dr. Nikiforos Diamantouros, former President of the Hellenic Republic Prof. Dr. Prokopios Pavlopoulos delivered the inaugural lecture titled “Myth and Truth in the Age of Artificial Intelligence.”

Among the notable speakers was TÜBA Honorary Member Prof. Dr. Jeffrey Sachs of Columbia University, who delivered a presentation entitled “Sustainability in the Anthropocene.” In his speech, Sachs emphasized the importance of sustainability policies within the framework of the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network.

TÜBA Young Academy President Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mürsel Doğrul underscored the importance of the Young Academy being actively represented on international scientific platforms with the support of TÜBA, stating that such participation contributes to strengthening Türkiye’s academic capacity and enhancing its visibility in the field of science diplomacy.