Serhat Akpınar Highlights Global Vision and Higher Education at the Life-Changing Leaders Summit in Oxford
The 2nd Life-Changing Leaders Summit, organized by Lobin International in cooperation with DMW International Diplomats Association, was held on the campus of the world-renowned University of Oxford in the United Kingdom. The summit brought together representatives from politics, diplomacy, academia, business, and media. The event was moderated by Prof. Dr. Uğur Özgöker, Head of the Department of International Relations at Istanbul Arel University, while the opening presentations were delivered in English by Done Öğretici.
Both TRNC’s 5th President Ersin Tatar and Democratic Party MP and Girne American University Founder Serhat Akpınar were honored with distinguished awards at the summit.
Following the opening speeches, Serhat Akpınar took the stage and delivered a speech, emphasizing that being present at the ceremony was not a personal honor but a historic responsibility undertaken on behalf of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.
“The Award Is a Recognition of a Global Vision”
Akpınar stated that he accepted the award as an appreciation of a global vision centered on science, education, youth, and peace. He explained his strategy to transform higher education into the strongest international gateway of the TRNC and expressed that Girne American University stands at the center of this vision.
“Higher Education Is the Most Powerful Tool of Modern Diplomacy”
Akpınar said that in today’s world, it is no longer tanks but knowledge that moves, and that real power is built in universities, academic networks, and in the hearts of international students. He stated that they view higher education not merely as a system that grants diplomas, but as a universal language that builds bridges of trust and understanding among nations.
“International Recognition Comes Through Science”
Drawing attention to the fact that the TRNC’s higher education system is the strongest indicator of its international identity and soft power, Akpınar said: “We have never said, ‘Recognize us’; we said, ‘Recognize science, quality, and our graduates.’ Our thousands of graduates across four continents represent our universities and the prestige of Northern Cyprus.”
“Science and Education Know No Barriers”
Akpınar emphasized that despite embargoes, isolation, and political pressure, science does not need a visa, education cannot be subject to embargoes, and universities belong not to nations but to humanity. He stated that the respectful mention of the TRNC’s name in Oxford is proof that all obstacles can be overcome.
“Message to the Youth: Dream Big”
At the end of his speech, Akpınar addressed the youth, saying: “Wherever you are born in the world; if you have faith, work hard, and dare to dream, one day your path may lead you to Oxford and the global stage. The journey extending from Girne to Oxford is living proof of this.”
Akpınar stated that he accepted the award on behalf of university administrations, academics, students, and the Turkish Cypriot people, and pledged to continue his work with determination to create value for science, youth, and humanity.
