Midwives are a significant force in climate crisis solutions!

The “5th Midwifery Students 2nd Climate Change Symposium: Midwives are a Significant Force in Climate Crisis Solutions” event was organized by the Midwifery Department of Üsküdar Üniversitesi Faculty of Health Sciences. The symposium, which attracted great interest, addressed topics such as the causes of global warming, the impact of the climate crisis on pregnant women, fetuses, and newborns, and infant care in the context of global climate change.

The opening speeches of the symposium were delivered by Prof. Dr. Arif Aktuğ Ertekin, Dean of Üsküdar Üniversitesi Faculty of Health Sciences, Prof. Dr. Güler Cimete, Head of the Midwifery Department, and Sevde Kırtay, 4th-year Midwifery student and Symposium Student President.

The symposium, held at Üsküdar Üniversitesi NP Health Campus İbn-i Sina Auditorium, was met with great interest by students.

Prof. Dr. Arif Aktuğ Ertekin: “Nature mercilessly exacts revenge for everything done to it”

Emphasizing that the damage to nature is caused by both natural resources and humans, Prof. Dr. Ertekin said; “It is something we are proud of that our students organize such an event. We cannot ignore the efforts of your instructors who support you. When I start to see these in you, I understand that you will do many more wonderful things during your education and when you embark on your professional life. The concept of climate has become a prominent topic in recent years. In this area, climate affects living beings. Not only humans, but also plants and animals in nature, have positive and negative impacts on the life cycle. Some of these become natural resources, and some are created by us humans. At times, while trying to do something good, we harm nature. Nature mercilessly exacts revenge for everything done to it. Then we try to correct our own actions. Climate is one of these. You healthcare professionals are among the occupational groups that touch communities and people the most. In other words, you become the 'garden' of a family. Therefore, you are one of the best target audiences to share with people what might happen in such events. I believe you will be responsible and aware of this. Let's never lose our sensitivity on these issues.”

Prof. Dr. Güler Cimete: “If there is no healthy world, it is not possible for any living creature to live a healthy life”

Prof. Dr. Güler Cimete, Head of the Midwifery Department, spoke about a global problem affecting all living beings; “I will talk about a problem that seriously affects the health of living beings. This problem affects our future, and that's why it is very important and valuable. Among professional organizations, I see midwives, nurses, and doctors as the most critical professions because they have the chance to serve a very large population for a long time. Therefore, the International Confederation of Midwives choosing this as the theme for this year truly made me very happy. This theme, since it has been selected as the theme of the year, this topic will be covered for a year. After this, midwives will have differences in what they can do to both prevent global warming, related climate change, and climate crises, and protect against their effects. These people will raise awareness for the prevention of global warming and climate change. New approach models will continue to be developed. If there is no healthy world, it is not possible for any living creature to live a healthy life. Universities need to focus on this issue.” she said. 

“We will use less, we will consume less”

Cimete, pointing out that everyone has individual responsibilities, said; “It was a very important symposium in the context of a symposium that can be organized at the student level. For many years, we all got used to the understanding of 'let someone earn a lot' under the influence of capitalism; now we need to do the opposite. This is already at the core of the climate crisis. We will use fewer environmental resources, pollute the environment less, and consume less. We have individual responsibilities.”

Sevde Kırtay: “I am proud to organize the symposium once again”

Sevde Kırtay, a 4th-year Midwifery student and Symposium Student President, stated that she is proud to organize the traditional symposium once again; “This year, with the symposium where we addressed the theme of climate change, we are rightfully proud to continue our student symposium tradition once again. I extend my sincere thanks to the organizing committee, who served as our source of motivation throughout the process.”

Following the conclusion of the opening speeches, the program continued with sessions.

4 different sessions were held

Within the scope of the event, 4 different sessions took place. These sessions covered topics such as “Causes and Effects of Global Warming”, “Impacts of Climate Crisis on Pregnant Women, Fetuses, and Newborns”, and “Impacts of Climate Crisis on Children, Adults, and the Elderly, Global Climate Change and Midwifery Care”.

The symposium concluded with a commemorative photo shoot.