KÜTAHYA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY LAUNCHES A COLLABORATIVE INITIATIVE FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE

The Kütahya Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KUTSO) has launched a significant initiative that will help shape the future of Kütahya through its Sustainability Working Group, established in line with its vision for sustainable development. Bringing together representatives from public institutions, universities, non-governmental organisations and the private sector under one umbrella, the Working Group held its inaugural official meeting hosted by KUTSO.

During the opening session of the programme, established under the leadership of KUTSO Chairman of the Board of Directors Esin Güral Argat, Sustainability Working Group Chairman Emin Yüce and Vice Chairmen of the Working Group Semra Tozaraydın and Ahmet Saner Gönül addressed the participants, presenting the Working Group’s vision, objectives and strategic roadmap.

The Working Group consists of 33 members, including representatives from KUTSO, Kütahya Dumlupınar University, Kütahya University of Health Sciences, the Provincial Directorate of Family and Social Services, the Provincial Directorate of İŞKUR (Turkish Employment Agency), the Kütahya Organized Industrial Zone Directorate, Kütahya Tasarım Teknokent Yönetici A.Ş., as well as leading industrial enterprises, technology companies, cooperatives and private sector representatives from across Kütahya. By bringing together the public sector, academia and the private sector within a single platform, the Working Group aims to strengthen collaboration and promote a shared vision for sustainable development.

ACTIVITIES CARRIED OUT THROUGH TWO MAIN WORKING GROUPS

The Sustainability Working Group carries out its activities under two principal areas of focus.

The Twin Transition Working Group concentrates on green transformation, digital transformation, reducing carbon footprints, improving resource efficiency, promoting the circular economy, digitalising production processes and enhancing the international competitiveness of businesses.

The Gender Equality, Social Impact and Community Resilience Working Group focuses on inclusive growth, increasing women’s participation in economic life, strengthening social resilience, raising public awareness and advancing the social dimension of sustainable development.

EMIN YÜCE: “WE WILL STRENGTHEN A DATA-DRIVEN CULTURE OF SUSTAINABILITY”

In his address, Sustainability Working Group Chairman Emin Yüce stated that the primary objective of the Working Group, established in line with KUTSO’s annual strategic goals, is to prepare the business community of Kütahya for the evolving dynamics of global trade.

Highlighting that sustainability has become a strategic necessity for businesses, Mr Yüce noted that the Group has adopted a data-driven approach that will accurately analyse the needs of companies, provide guidance on sustainability practices and promote a collaborative decision-making model. He further emphasised that both green and digital transformation can only succeed through strong partnerships and stated that the Working Group would continue its activities with this understanding.

SEMRA TOZARAYDIN: “PEOPLE ARE AT THE HEART OF SUSTAINABILITY”

Vice Chairwoman of the Working Group Semra Tozaraydın stressed that sustainability extends beyond environmental considerations and that social development is an indispensable component of the process.

She stated that, through initiatives centred on gender equality, social impact and community resilience, the Working Group aims to promote greater inclusivity within the business community, enhance social well-being and contribute to building a more resilient social structure for Kütahya.

AHMET SANER GÖNÜL: “GREEN AND DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION MUST BE ADDRESSED TOGETHER”

Vice Chairman of the Working Group Ahmet Saner Gönül emphasised that green transformation and digital transformation are two complementary pillars shaping the future of global trade.

Referring to the European Green Deal and the evolving criteria of international supply chains, Mr Gönül stated that the Working Group has assumed a guiding role in reducing carbon footprints, improving resource efficiency, enhancing waste management and promoting digitalisation.

KÜTAHYA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY DISCUSSES ITS SUSTAINABILITY ROADMAP

During the meeting, members reviewed contributions from participants, assessed the current situation and identified key needs, examined sustainability trends in Kütahya, discussed Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) indicators, determined priority areas of work, and considered the activity plan and reporting roadmap. In addition, priorities for the initial implementation period under the themes of community resilience and the twin transition were evaluated.

The Sustainability Working Group aims to establish, through scientific data, a comprehensive assessment of Kütahya’s current sustainability performance, analyse the province’s needs, identify environmental, social and governance indicators, strengthen cooperation between public institutions, universities and the private sector, and contribute to Kütahya’s long-term vision through the preparation of a comprehensive sustainability report.

Source: KUTSO Press Office