IUE Hosts Sustainable Translation Summit II

On Thursday, April 30, 2026, the Department of English Translation and Interpreting at İzmir University of Economics held a panel titled “Sustainable Translation Summit II.” Bringing together academia and industry, the event aimed to foster dialogue on sustainability in translation. The speakers included Senem Kobya (CEO, Digital Tercume Ltd.), Mert Emirbayer (COO, Vergo Energy), and Assoc. Prof. Volga Yılmaz Gümüş (Anadolu University).

The summit opened with a speech by the Head of the Department, Prof. Dr. Nihal Yetkin Karakoç. Following the opening remarks, Senem Kobya emphasized that sustainable translation plays a key role in embedding sustainability awareness through language. She noted that sustainability already has deep roots in Anatolian practices such as “bereket” (abundance) and “imece” (collective labor). However, she pointed out that the lack of a shared terminology today leads to shifts in meaning and, in turn, trust issues. Kobya highlighted that the use of different translations for the same concepts across public and private sectors creates ambiguity in communication, adding that effective translation is less about choosing the “right” word and more about establishing the right context. She also explained that the Sustainable Translation project she founded aims to standardize and clarify Turkish sustainability terminology in order to reduce conceptual confusion and minimize communication risks.

Mert Emirbayer underlined that sustainability and ESG processes have become a necessity for companies, but stressed that how these processes are communicated is just as important. He noted that technical and complex sustainability reports are often difficult to understand, and that translation and communication play a crucial role in making them accessible. Emirbayer pointed out that errors or ambiguities in reporting and disclosure language can lead to serious financial consequences, emphasizing that language is no longer merely a communication tool but a strategic asset for companies. In this context, he described translators as key actors in constructing meaning and building trust.

The final speaker, Associate Professor Volga Yılmaz Gümüş, focused on the transformation of the profession. She stated that translation is undergoing a significant shift under the influence of artificial intelligence, platform economies, and digitalization, but emphasized that the profession itself is not disappearing. While automation is putting pressure on employment and income, she noted that the growing volume of digital content continues to drive demand for multilingual communication. Gümüş highlighted that human translators remain essential, particularly in quality assurance, specialized fields, and creative adaptation. She stressed that translation is not merely about transferring language, but involves decision-making, problem-solving, risk management, and meaning-making. She concluded by emphasizing the need to restructure translation education in line with these transformations, adding that translators will increasingly take on more strategic roles in managing multilingual communication in the future.

“Sustainable Translation Summit II” offered participants an interdisciplinary perspective, demonstrating that translation is a multi-layered field with economic, cultural, and strategic dimensions. The event, attended by a large audience, concluded with an interactive Q&A session, followed by a group photo.