We would like to thank our esteemed rector, Prof. Dr. Kenan PEKER, our esteemed dean, Prof. Dr. Ülkü ÖZBEY, our colleague, Mr. Hüseyin OKAN, Provincial Director of the Ministry of Family and Social Services in Tunceli, the faculty members and teaching staff of our department, and our dear participants for their support and contributions to our event.
Munzur University Faculty of Health Sciences Department of Social Work organized a panel titled "Strengthening Intergenerational Solidarity for Lasting Well-being" on March 19, 2025, at the Munzur University Congress and Culture Center.
The event was attended by Munzur University Rector Prof. Dr. Kenan PEKER, Vice Rectors Prof. Dr. Muzaffer AŞkIN and Prof. Dr. Nuran Cıkcıkoglu YILDIRIM, Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences Prof. Dr. Ülkü ÖZBEY, faculty deans, Tunceli Provincial Director of the Ministry of Family and Social Services Hüseyin Okan, Pertek Mayor Recai Vural, Akpazar Mayor Ali Aydın, provincial protocol, representatives of relevant institutions, academic and administrative staff of our faculty, and Munzur University students.
Servet Gün, Head of the Social Work Department, delivered the opening speech of the event, highlighting the department's history and current status and emphasizing the goal of training future social workers with an approach centered on social justice and human rights. Referring to the theme of 2025, he emphasized the importance of intergenerational solidarity in achieving lasting prosperity and celebrated World Social Work Day.
Hüseyin Okan, Tunceli Provincial Director of the Ministry of Family and Social Services, celebrated the day of social workers and candidates, drawing attention to the complementary aspects of intergenerational solidarity with the "Year of the Family." He stated that Turkish society and the field of social works would be strengthened by the interaction between these two structures. He also stated that the Ministry of Family and Social Services would continue its projects supporting intergenerational solidarity.
Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences Prof. Dr. Ülkü Özbey stated that the meeting of different age groups with mutual understanding and support contributes to the sustainability of society. He emphasized that despite today's changing social structure and the challenges posed by an aging population, social workers play a critical role in turning these challenges into opportunities and increasing empathy, equality, and participation among young people and the elderly.
Munzur University Rector Prof. Dr. Kenan Peker drew attention to the importance of social work in social development and the value of this year's theme, "Strengthening Intergenerational Solidarity for Lasting Well-being." Referring to the social entrepreneurship aspect of social work, he encouraged students to develop projects and concluded his speech by thanking everyone who contributed to the event.
Following the opening speeches, a video collage of World Social Work Day greetings, prepared by Munzur University Social Work Department academics and students and sent by the President of the Association of Social Work Professionals, Mr. Ramazan YÜKSEL, and the Board of Directors of the Association of Social Work Schools, was shown. Next, a video interview with Munzur University students, prepared by the Social Work Club, was shown.
The event continued with a panel discussion titled "Strengthening Intergenerational Solidarity for Lasting Well-being," moderated by Research Assistant Dr. Hakan COŞKUN. During the panel, Mr. Umut Demir from the Tunceli Provincial Directorate of the Ministry of Family and Social Services; Mr. Abdullah GÜLMEZ on family; Mr. Olgu ONAN on lasting prosperity; and Mr. Mustafa MUTLU from the Tunceli State Hospital Community Mental Health Center of the Ministry of Family and Health spoke on health issues. The panel concluded with a question-and-answer session.
At the end of the event, certificates of appreciation were presented to the participants.
At the end of the event, Dr. Uğur ÇİT, Assistant Professor at the Department of Music, Faculty of Fine Arts, Design and Architecture, Munzur University, performed a violin recital.
After the event, our esteemed dean, Prof. Dr. Ülkü ÖZBEY, welcomed the Social Work Society which is part of our department, to her office and presented the club with a certificate of appreciation for their contribution to the event and took a commemorative photo with them.
This event served as a productive platform for sharing important ideas on strengthening intergenerational solidarity and ensuring lasting well-being.
