Representing our university, our faculty's Vice Dean, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Olcay Salici, participated in the program "Citizen Diplomat Project: Turkey's Global Representation in Sports."

On Wednesday, October 16, 2024, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Olcay Salici, Vice Dean of the Faculty of Sports Sciences, represented Süleyman Demirel University at the program titled “Citizen Diplomat Project: Turkey’s Global Representation in Sports,” organized by the Directorate of Communications of the Republic of Turkey. The program emphasized the importance of sports diplomacy in fostering mutual friendly relations and understanding between states and nations, enhancing international cooperation, and promoting global peace by breaking down prejudices. It was highlighted that athletes, through their achievements, represent not only their individual success but also their national identity, acting as "Citizen Diplomats" by introducing their countries on the international stage. The discussion also focused on how sports can be used as a tool for citizen diplomacy and the roles of Turkish athletes in strengthening Turkey’s public diplomacy strategies.