Organized in cooperation with METEM (Training Center of the Chamber of Metallurgical and Materials Engineers), the two-day symposium focuses on the digital transformation of the global iron and steel industry, artificial intelligence applications, and green production strategies.
The opening speeches of the symposium were marked by tributes and condolences for Ata Özdemir, one of the industry’s most respected figures, who recently passed away.
“We Will Keep Ata President’s Dreams Alive Together”
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Ahmet İrfan Türkoğlu, Chairman of the Board of TMMO, began his remarks by commemorating Ata Özdemir and emphasizing the importance of professional solidarity and belonging.
“We see how rapidly the world and technology are changing. As a professional chamber, by taking steps that will strengthen our profession and expand our membership, we will be fulfilling another dream of President Ata. In everything we have done and will do, Ata President will be with us; he will continue to live through us, and we will keep his legacy alive,” Türkoğlu said.
“Engineering Is Not Only About Technical Knowledge, It Is About Building the Future”
Bülent Yıldırım, Chairman of the METEM Executive Board, emphasized that Ata Özdemir was not only a successful executive but also a mentor who generously shared his knowledge and experience.
Yıldırım noted that the sector has built a broad technological foundation ranging from primary metal production to space technologies, electric vehicle batteries, and defense industries. Referring to METEM’s new vision, he stated:
“In an era where change is occurring faster than ever, simply producing is no longer enough; we must produce better quality products, more efficiently, and more sustainably. Developing specialized training programs in sustainable production technologies will make a significant contribution to the industry’s transformation. I believe that with the right mission, a holistic educational approach, and professional solidarity, METEM will become a model institution not only in Türkiye but also on international platforms in the years ahead.”
“Carbon Reduction Is Now a Strategic Process”
Fatih Keseroğlu, Chairman of the Symposium Executive Committee, highlighted that throughout industrial history, every technological transformation initially generated fear and resistance but ultimately expanded humanity’s horizons.
Reminding participants that the iron and steel industry is directly linked to 20% of global industrial output and serves as a cornerstone of the world economy, Keseroğlu said:
“Today, sustainability and carbon reduction have become more than a technical necessity; they are now a strategic process. As the EFRS 2026 Executive Committee, under the theme ‘Digital Steel for a Greener World,’ we will spend the next two days outlining the roadmap for this transformation.”
Following the opening speeches, plaques were presented to sponsors and supporting organizations in recognition of their contributions to the symposium.
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