Exemplary cooperation between IUE and Konak Municipality

Students of Izmir University of Economics (IUE) developed 5 communication campaigns for Konak Municipality, which aims to be the 8^th place in the world, to earn the title of "Global Active City". Department of Public Relations and Advertising students, working in 5 groups of 7 people for about two months, had the opportunity to present their projects to Konak Mayor Abdül Batur and IUE Rector Prof. Dr. Murat Aşkar. Rector Aşkar and Mayor Batur, signed a 'goodwill protocol' aimed at further developing the cooperation between the two institutions in the upcoming period and congratulated the students for their successful work.

4^th year students of IUE Department of Public Relations and Advertising, Faculty of Communication, started the work they carried out within the scope of the "Communication Campaign Design" course in January. IUE students, who were divided into groups and identified a work method like a professional agency, produced extraordinary ideas based on social and environmental policies, and aimed to support Konak, which aims to become a "Global Active City" this year.

ADMIRED GREATLY

IUE students, who worked at a feverish pace with the guidance of their academics, created different communication campaigns by setting different slogans for Konak. Konak Mayor Abdül Batur came to Izmir University of Economics to examine the projects prepared by the students and to listen to the presentations in person. Students, who made their presentations at the meeting attended by IUE Rector Prof. Dr. Murat Aşkar and Prof. Dr. Ebru Uzunoğlu, Dean of IUE Faculty of Communication, at IUE Multi-Purpose Hall, were appreciated for their work and suggestions.

REFLECTION OF THE 'CAMPUS IZMIR' MODEL

Speaking at the meeting, Prof. Dr. Aşkar stated that they will continue to carry out projects that contribute to Izmir. Prof. Dr. Aşkar said, “We initiated the "Campus Izmir" model to ensure the university-city integration. Accordingly, we have many protocols that allow the University to cooperate directly with many institutions and sectors. Communication campaigns prepared by our students are a successful and concrete reflection of our cooperation with institutions. We are proud to see the ideas and contributions of our students in a project that aims at the participation of all age groups in active life, prepares citizens for a healthier life and has social benefits. We try to provide all kinds of opportunities for our students so they can graduate as 'world citizens' who support the environment in which they live. Our projects, which contribute to our city and country and aim to transform our society, will increasingly continue.”

THE IDEAS OF THE YOUNG PEOPLE EXCITED ME

Stating that they have a municipality approach that touches the lives of citizens, Konak Mayor Abdül Batur said that the dynamism and perspective of the youth guide them in this direction. Batur said, “We attach great importance to producing projects that will contribute to the development of our district and our city and facilitate the lives of our citizens, and we take steps for this. We established the "R&D Directorate" within our municipality for that purpose. Universities, one of the most important dynamics of the city, are one of our biggest helpers in this regard. We have always cared and will continue to care about the opinions of universities, academics, and young people. I was very excited and happy while listening to the projects and ideas of students. The projects of young people will bring us to the forefront on the path to "Global Active City". I thank them very much.”

WHAT IS A GLOBAL ACTIVE CITY?

Global Active City is a project, which is carried out in cooperation with international organizations such as the Association for International Sport for All (TAFISA), the Sustainable Health Association (EVALEO) and the International Sports and Culture Association (ISCA), that encourages the organization of activities that will enable citizens to participate actively in city life. Currently, 7 cities around the world (England-Liverpool, Switzerland-Lausanne, Argentina-Buenos Aires, Slovenia-Ljubljana, Norway-Lillehammer, Germany-Hamburg, Canada-Richmond) have the title of Global Active City. Konak Municipality is among 9 candidates, including Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality.