The first advisory meeting for the Disaster Risk Management Coordination Unit, planned to be established at Kastamonu University within the framework of the cooperation protocol signed between the Council of Higher Education (YÖK) and the Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD), was held on April 6, 2026, in the Rectorate Meeting Hall. 

The meeting, chaired by our Vice Rector, Prof. Dr. Ömer Küçük, was attended by AFAD Provincial President, Dr. Suat Tüfekçi, and our University's Deputy Secretary General, Assoc. Prof. Dr. İbrahim Demirbaş, as well as our academics and administrative staff from the relevant faculties and units of our University, and officials from AFAD and stakeholder institutions.  

In the meeting, the current studies in disaster management at our University, the academic activities in disciplines closely related to this field, and the capacities of the relevant departments were discussed in detail. Additionally, an exchange of views was held on how our University's academic, technical, and human resources could be more effectively reflected in provincial-level disaster risk management efforts. 

Within the framework of the protocol, the aim is to increase disaster awareness, support student communities in line with the AFAD Volunteer System, promote campus drills, and organize disaster orientation programs for newly enrolled students. Speaking at the meeting, our Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Ömer Küçük emphasized the importance of all areas directly and indirectly related to disaster management at our University working in a coordinated manner. At the end of the meeting, certificates were also presented to our students who successfully completed the Destek AFAD Volunteers field training and qualified to become Destek AFAD Volunteers.