A delegation from Opole University of Technology participated in the second series of international workshops organized within the GreenCamUz – Green Campus Initiative: Integrating Sustainability into Higher Education in Uzbekistan project. The workshops took place on 6–10 July 2026 at Karabük University in Türkiye and brought together representatives of universities from Europe, Asia, and Africa.
The programme began with an official opening ceremony attended by the project partners and university authorities. Prof. Iwona Kłosok-Bazan represented Opole University of Technology and delivered a welcome address during the opening session. An important highlight of the first day was the symbolic tree-planting ceremony on the Karabük University campus, emphasizing the partners’ commitment to environmental protection. Participants also visited the Faculty of Engineering and discussed the final versions of the Green Campus strategies, implementation plans, and the project’s monitoring system. Educational materials, the concept for cooperation with socio-economic stakeholders, the knowledge-sharing platform, and plans for the first GreenCamUz Conference and future project activities were also presented.
The second day of the workshops focused on best practices in curriculum development and education for sustainable development. Prof. Iwona Kłosok-Bazan presented Opole University of Technology’s experience in developing course syllabi and designing academic programmes, while Dr. Ireneusz Hetmańczyk discussed the practical aspects of eco-driving as an important approach to reducing environmental impact. The programme also included lectures on campus waste management, recycling, waste processing technologies, and innovative projects using agricultural waste to produce biodegradable materials. Participants were additionally introduced to the international CYCLOLIVE project, dedicated to environmental toxicology diagnostics and waste recycling.
The following days concentrated on practical aspects of the circular economy and innovative environmental solutions. The delegation visited the laboratories of the Demir Çelik Institute, where state-of-the-art research facilities used in the development of advanced technologies were presented. The programme also featured lectures on livestock waste management, wastewater treatment and reuse, as well as examples of environmental projects implemented in the United States. Participants also had the opportunity to visit the Safranbolu Crystal Glass Terrace.
The fourth day focused on environmental toxicology and environmental risk management. As part of the programme, participants visited the KARDEMIR Iron and Steel Factory, where they learned about environmental protection measures and sustainable development practices implemented in a large industrial enterprise. The day concluded with a networking dinner, providing an opportunity for project partners to exchange experiences and strengthen international cooperation.
The participation of Opole University of Technology in the second series of GreenCamUz workshops marks another important step in expanding international cooperation in the fields of sustainable development, green campuses, and modern higher education. The knowledge gained and the exchange of best practices will support future project activities and the implementation of innovative solutions across the partner universities.
