The “Right to Education” International Conference was held under the auspices of the Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU) Faculty of Law, within the framework of Türkiye’s Chairmanship of the 51st Session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), with the participation of the OIC Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission, and with the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) and the Embassy of the Republic of Türkiye in Nicosia. Held on Tuesday, 28 April 2026 at 10:00 a.m. at Mustafa Afşin Ersoy Hall, the highly attended conference offered participants a comprehensive platform that examines the right to education from multiple disciplines, extending beyond a solely human rights perspective.
The event was attended by the Chief Ombudsman of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), İlkan Varol; the President of the Higher Education Planning, Evaluation, Accreditation and Coordination Council (YÖDAK), Prof. Dr. Aykut Hocanın; the Consul General of Famagusta, Işıl Gürler; the Director General of the Department of Foreign Affairs of the TRNC Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Beniz Uluer Kaymak; the Director of Relations with the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) at the TRNC Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ayşen Volkan İnanıroğlu; the Counsellor of the Embassy of the Republic of Türkiye in Nicosia, Doğan Güneş; the Director General of the Cyprus Foundations Administration (Evkaf), Prof. Dr. Mustafa Tümer; the Chairperson of the Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission (IPHRC) of the OIC, Dr. Saidou Dogon Guida; the Vice-Chairperson of the OIC IPHRC, Dr. Hacı Ali Açıkgül; Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU) Vice Rectors Prof. Dr. Osman M. Karatepe, Prof. Dr. Sonuç Zorlu, and Prof. Dr. Ali Öztüren; EMU General Secretary Derviş Ekşici; Acting Dean of the EMU Faculty of Law, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Arzu Alibaba; as well as academic and administrative staff and students.
“Conference to Contribute to the Advancement of the Right to Education”
Following the observation of a moment of silence and national anthem, the conference continued with opening addresses. Delivering a speech, Acting Dean of EMU Faculty of Law Assoc. Prof. Dr. Arzu Alibaba underlined that education is among the most fundamental human rights, serving as the cornerstone of human dignity and societal development. She pointed out that the right to education continues to face challenges in areas such as access, equality, technology, and global mobility. Emphasizing that the conference goes beyond theoretical debate, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Alibaba stated that it aims to generate practical and implementable solutions to barriers to access, and expressed her hope for a productive outcome.
Ayşen Volkan İnanıroğlu, Director of Relations with the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) at the TRNC Ministry of Foreign Affairs, emphasized that education is not only a fundamental human right but also a cornerstone of sustainable development, social cohesion, and human dignity. She noted that this right empowers individuals, fosters societal progress, and builds bridges across cultures. Highlighting the TRNC’s strong commitment to the promotion of human rights, İnanıroğlu recalled that the right to education is guaranteed under Article 59 of the Constitution and should be inclusive, equitable, and accessible to all. She further expressed her belief that the conference would provide a productive platform for meaningful dialogue, the exchange of experiences, and the development of practical solutions to advance the right to education.
The Chairperson of the Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission (IPHRC) of the OIC, Dr. Saidou Dogon Guida also made remarks and emphasized the significant role of education in fostering cooperation and upholding Islamic values. He noted that Islam regards education as a fundamental element of knowledge-sharing and national development. Stressing that no one should be deprived of the right to education, Dr. Guida expressed his belief that the conference would contribute to strengthening access to education through a fair and inclusive approach.
“Universities are Pioneers of Social Transformation”
In his speech, EMU Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç emphasized the importance of addressing the conference not only from a legal perspective but also through its social, economic, and pedagogical dimensions. He underlined the University’s commitment to enhancing academic quality, strengthening equality of opportunity, and expanding international collaboration. Drawing attention to initiatives supporting women’s access to education, the inclusion of disadvantaged groups, and lifelong learning, Prof. Dr. Kılıç stated that, in the age of digitalization and artificial intelligence, the right to education must evolve into a more inclusive and high-quality framework. Stressing that universities are not only institutions that produce knowledge but also pioneers of social transformation, he highlighted the impact of global conflicts—particularly the humanitarian crisis in Gaza—on the right to education. He further noted that distinguished experts would share their knowledge and experience during the conference sessions, where the right to education would be addressed in a comprehensive and multi-dimensional manner.
Following the opening speeches, the first session was held under the moderation of Dr. Hacı Ali Açıkgül, Vice-Chairperson of the Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission (IPHRC) of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). During the session, Prof. Dr. Aykut Hocanın delivered a presentation titled ‘Higher Education Area in the TRNC: Challenges and Future Perspectives’, Dr. Saidou Dogon Guida presented on ‘The Right to Education in OIC Member States’, and Prof. Dr. Hacı Ali Açıkgül addressed ‘The Convergence of the Right to Education, Artificial Intelligence and Human Dignity: An IPHRC Perspective’. Following the presentations, participants were presented with silver plaques by Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç.
Moderated by Prof. Dr. Mustafa Tümer, the second also featured various presentations. Prof. Dr. Tümer delivered a presentation titled ‘Bridging Human Rights Law and Islamic Philanthropy: The Right to Education and the Role of Evkaf’. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Arzu Alibaba presented ‘The Right to Have Rights: Nationality and Education’, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Süheyla Üçışık Erbilen addressed ‘The Right to Education in the Context of Human Rights’, and Assist. Prof. Dr. Ulaş Gündüzler delivered ‘Free Movement in the EU and Education’. Following the presentations, silver plaques were presented to the participants by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Arzu Alibaba. The conference concluded with a question-and-answer session.
“EMU Students are Very Fortunate”
Prior to the conference, Director General of the Department of Foreign Affairs at the TRNC Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Beniz Uluer Kaymak; Director of Relations with the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Ayşen Volkan İnanıroğlu; Counsellor of the Embassy of the Republic of Türkiye in Nicosia, Doğan Güneş; Chairperson of the OIC Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission (IPHRC), Dr. Saidou Dogon Guida; Vice-Chairperson of the OIC IPHRC, Dr. Hacı Ali Açıkgül; and retired faculty member of the EMU Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Department of Psychology, Prof. Dr. Biran Mertan, paid a courtesy visit to EMU Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç in his office. EMU Vice Rectors Prof. Dr. Osman M. Karatepe and Prof. Dr. Ali Öztüren, as well as Acting Dean of the EMU Faculty of Law, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Arzu Alibaba, were also present during the visit.
During the visit, Dr. Saidou Dogon Guida and Dr. Hacı Ali Açıkgül expressed their satisfaction at being at EMU, noting their appreciation for the University’s campus and the opportunities it offers to students. Highlighting EMU’s student-centered and supportive environment, they remarked that EMU students are very fortunate.
On the other hand, EMU Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç expressed his pleasure in hosting distinguished guests at EMU and provided detailed information about the University. Emphasizing EMU’s commitment to offering students international-level activities and academic opportunities, Prof. Dr. Kılıç underlined the importance of personal development alongside academic growth. Potential areas of cooperation between the institutions were also discussed during the visit. At the conclusion of the meeting, Prof. Dr. Kılıç presented the guests with Cyprus-specific gifts.
