On 22 November 2024, within the scope of the
"Istanbul Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan (SUMP) Phase II: Implementation
Plan Project," implemented
under the Sectoral Operational Programme for Transport (USOP) as part of the
Türkiye-EU financial cooperation managed by the Ministry of Transport and
Infrastructure, media and communication professionals
and academicians joined together to discuss and collaborate on sustainable transport
solutions.
The
"Transformation of Cities through Communication and Media" event was
organized with the participation of media and press representatives,
journalists, columnists, faculty members, students from communication departments, and
public relations professionals.
In his opening
speech, Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Deputy Secretary-General Gürkan
Akgün emphasized the importance of participation, ownership, and communication
campaigns by all stakeholders in the development of a sustainable
transportation plan.
During the
event, which presented good practices on sustainable transportation from around
the world, collaboration and campaign opportunities in promotional efforts with
media and academia were discussed in an open forum.
At the
"Future Cities and Communication" panel, topics such as combating
climate change under the COP29 agenda, sustainable transportation, urban
planning, and communication were discussed. Panelists Barış Doğru (EKOIQ),
Seçil Şendağ (SMI Türkiye), Akif Burak Atlar (Chamber of City Planners – TMMOB),
and Oktay Kargül (Istanbul Planning Agency) met with media and communication
experts.
After the panel,
participants shared their ideas for communication strategies to promote
sustainable modes of transportation in line with Istanbul SKUP, based on
insights gained during the event. Messages and communication channels that
could be effective for different target groups, such as young people, workers,
and elderly individuals, were discussed. Campaign ideas were proposed to reduce
private vehicle use, encourage public transportation, and promote active
transportation modes like cycling and walking.
During the
workshop, participants proposed awareness campaigns emphasizing the benefits of
sustainable transportation for human health, the environment, and the economy,
using a positive communication tone via digital platforms and traditional
media.
Another campaign
idea focused on encouraging public transportation through rewards and
gamification via mobile applications. This idea, especially aimed at children
and young people, sought to foster an awareness of sustainable transportation
from an early age.