Ankara Hosts International Ibn Sina Conference and Award Ceremony, Launches Global Science and Health Initiatives

By our Special correspondent, Ankara, Turkey 

In celebration of the 25th anniversary of the Ibni Sina Institute, Ankara played host to a landmark event on August 16, 2024. The International Ibn Sina Conference and Award Ceremony, held at the DAKAV Conference Hall, marked the culmination of a week-long series of activities celebrating the rich legacy of Islamic medical civilization. The event also coincided with the opening of a special exhibition dedicated to Islamic Medical Civilization.

The Ibni Sina Institute, founded by Gerontologist Dr. Kemal Aydın in 1990 during his studies at Punjap University in Lahore, Pakistan, has grown from humble beginnings into a global leader in health management, public health, gerontology, and the history of Islamic medicine. Dr. Aydın shared the journey of the Institute’s growth, which has expanded its influence across Europe and beyond, contributing significantly to global discussions on sustainable development, human rights, and health education.

The conference, co-organized by the Ibni Sina Institute and the Anatolian Solidarity and Development Foundation (DAKAV), attracted a diverse audience of dignitaries, academics, and health professionals. Notable attendees included DAKAV President Hüsamettin Korkutata, Hacettepe University Rector Prof. Dr. Mehmet Cahit Güran, and representatives from Turkish and international organizations. The event also featured international participation through teleconferencing, with scholars and professionals from countries such as Canada, Nigeria, South Africa, and Pakistan contributing to the discussions.

The conference underscored the Institute’s commitment to fostering international collaboration in health and science. The highlight of the event was the 2024 Ibn Sina Awards, which recognized outstanding contributions in various fields. Prof. Dr. Esin Kahya received the award for History of Science, while Prof. Dr. Hayrani Altıntaş was honored for his work in Science and Philosophy. Prof. Dr. Yaşar Bilgin was awarded for his efforts in Science Diplomacy, and Sidney Rasekh received recognition in Architecture and Art.

A significant outcome of the conference was the declaration of August 24, 2024 – August 25, 2025, as the International Ibn Sina Year of Science, Culture, and Health. This initiative, endorsed by the “Ankara Declaration,” aims to promote global scientific collaboration and cultural exchange. The declaration also designated Ankara as the World Science Capital, a symbolic gesture recognizing the city’s role in advancing global scientific dialogue.

In a move to strengthen ties between Turkish and Pakistani academic institutions, the conference announced that the next Ibn Sina Conference, Award Ceremony, and Islamic Medical Civilization Exhibition will be held in Pakistan later this year. This event will serve as a platform for fostering greater cooperation among member countries of the Organization of Turkic States.

The conference also launched the Science Ambassadors Initiative (SAI), which will see Ankara host an annual Science Ambassadors Summit and World Science Forum. These events, scheduled for the last week of October each year, will bring together leaders from the public and private sectors, academia, civil society, and international organizations to discuss and advance global scientific and health agendas.

The International Ibn Sina Conference and Award Ceremony in Ankara not only celebrated the rich legacy of Islamic medicine but also set the stage for a year of global scientific and cultural collaboration, solidifying Ankara’s position as a hub of international health and science diplomacy.