The 15th National Logistics and Supply Chain Congress, organized in collaboration with the Logistics Association (LODER) and hosted by Kastamonu University, began on May 14, 2026, in the Communication Faculty Conference Hall.

The program, which began with a moment of silence and the reading of the National Anthem, was attended by Kastamonu Deputy Governor Hakan Kubalı, Kastamonu Mayor Hasan Baltacı, Vice Rector Ömer Küçük, Dean of the Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences Orhan Kandemir, LODER President Mehmet Tanyaş, and many academics and students.

After watching the university's promotional film, the opening speeches began.

Congress Period President Prof. Dr. Erol Tekin stated that logistics and supply chain management can no longer be considered just an industry, noting that this field has become a strategic element that enhances countries' competitiveness, supports sustainable development, and strengthens resilience against crises. Stating that various logistics aspects will be addressed within the scope of the congress, Prof. Dr. Erol Tekin thanked all the stakeholders who contributed to the event's realization.

From Prof. Dr. Tekin, the Dean of the Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences, Prof. Dr. Orhan Kandemir emphasized that the congress is an important platform that strengthens scientific collaborations. Stating that logistics activities are not limited to transportation, Prof. Dr. Kandemir emphasized that supply chain management has become strategically important in the global competitive environment.

Pointing out that transportation in Türkiye is largely carried out by road, Prof. Dr. Kandemir said that regulatory arrangements, customs processes, packaging, and insurance systems play a critical role in logistics efficiency. Stating that supply chain models targeting new markets, especially in Africa, need to be developed in global trade, Kandemir emphasized the importance of increasing university-industry collaboration and student participation in national logistics competitions.

After Prof.Dr. Kandemir, the Vice-Rector Prof. Dr. Ömer Küçük, stated in his speech that congresses are not limited to the sharing of academic knowledge but are also important scientific organizations that contribute to regional development. Prof. Dr. Küçük stated that in addition to the university's educational activities, it also carries out projects aimed at solving social problems. Prof. Dr. Küçük emphasized the importance of an active role in social responsibility projects, student activities, and scientific organizations.

Prof. Dr.  Küçük stated that in addition to the university's educational activities, it also carries out projects aimed at solving social problems. Prof. Dr. Küçük emphasized the importance of an active role in social responsibility projects, student activities, and scientific organizations.

Speaking at the program, Kastamonu Mayor Hasan Baltacı stated that the congress is not just a sector meeting; it will yield significant outcomes in sustainable production, the conservation of natural resources, and regional competitiveness. Stating that Kastamonu is referred to as the "capital of forestry" in Türkiye, thanks to its rich forest resources, Baltacı said that the forest product supply chain creates a strategic structure from raw materials to the end user. President Baltacı also stated that digitalization, sustainability, and integration will shape the logistics systems of the future, emphasizing that smart logistics systems, low-carbon transportation, and data-driven planning are the new roadmap for the industry.

After Baltacı, Kastamonu Deputy Governor Hakan Kubalı stated that logistics should not be seen merely as a commercial activity. Emphasizing that transportation is a fundamental right, Kubalı stated that people's access to products, services, education, health, and justice is made possible by strong logistics infrastructures. Emphasizing the importance of sustainable, environmentally friendly, and people-centered transportation policies, Kubalı stated that the congress would contribute to Kastamonu's vision for transportation and logistics.

Within the framework of the congress, which brings together representatives from academia and the industry, scientific sessions will be held over three days on topics such as logistics management, sustainable supply chains, digital transformation, green logistics practices, and regional development.