The World Robot Olympiad (WRO), which brought together 3,500 children and young people from 90 countries in İzmir, began with an opening ceremony attended by the Republican People's Party (CHP) Chairman Özgür Özel and İzmir Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Dr. Cemil Tugay. Mayor Tugay wished the participants a pleasant time in İzmir, saying, “I hope you have a great time here and leave İzmir with beautiful memories.”
CHP Chairman Özgür Özel, recalling Mustafa Kemal Atatürk's famous saying "Peace at home, peace in the world," expressed his hope for the end of all global conflicts, particularly those in Ukraine and Palestine, wishing for an end to the loss of children's lives and the cessation of wars.
The WRO 2024 Türkiye International Finals, which will run until November 30 at Fuar İzmir, will host children and youth passionate about science and robotics. Among the attendees were WRO Advisory Council President Brent Hutchseon, WRO Secretary General Claus Ditlev Christensen, Aramco’s Corporate Citizenship Manager Hadeel Al-Eisa, İzmir Metropolitan Municipality Secretary General Ramazan Tezcan, Science Heroes Association Chairman Prof. Dr. Sıddıka Semahat Demir, and consuls, ambassadors, bureaucrats, and foreign mission representatives.
Following the opening, Anadolu Ateşi performed a colorful show that captivated the audience, including the young participants from 90 countries. Hutchseon and Christensen provided details about the event, noting that the largest number of participating teams came from Malaysia. After the opening speeches, teams took the stage with their country flags to greet the audience.
Özgür Özel expressed his gratitude to the event organizers and İzmir’s mayor for hosting the young global talents. He was particularly impressed by projects focused on natural disaster relief and eco-friendly solutions, saying, "It was inspiring to see so many robotic projects aimed at saving lives and protecting nature. Children should work and compete to preserve life, not face war or be deprived of education, shelter, or family.”
Dr. Cemil Tugay expressed his joy in welcoming the participants, emphasizing the value of their visit and wishing them pleasant experiences and lasting memories of İzmir.
Aramco’s Hadeel Al-Eisa assured participants of their potential as future innovators, noting that robots will continue to play a key role in our world without replacing humans, instead performing extraordinary tasks.
Prof. Dr. Sıddıka Semahat Demir shared her excitement about learning from the young participants, emphasizing her eagerness to draw inspiration from their projects.
This year’s theme focuses on the efficient and equitable use of Earth’s limited resources and utilizing robotic solutions before and after natural disasters. The event will feature categories such as Little Stars, Stars, and Youth under the Future Inventors, Robomission, and RoboSports classifications. Being held in Türkiye for the first time, the event aims to enhance not only scientific and technological development but also cultural diversity and collaboration awareness.
