The first extended strategic meeting of the organizing committee for the “First Campus Sports Festival” was held at Mingachevir State University. During the meeting, the concept of the festival was redefined beyond a traditional sports event and structured as a large-scale institutional platform incorporating practical implementation of sustainable development principles.

As a result of the discussions, it was determined that the festival aims to become one of the most widely attended campus events in the country. In this regard, it is planned to engage more than 2,000 participants, including students, academic and administrative staff, as well as representatives from other universities and the wider community. This approach is intended to expand the impact of the festival beyond the university level to the regional and national scale.

Within the framework of the adopted strategic approach, it was decided that the festival would be organized based on a fully plastic-free model. The use of single-use plastic products will be prohibited across the festival area, and all service and distribution processes will rely on reusable and environmentally safe alternatives. In addition, minimizing vehicle access within the campus during the festival and promoting car-free participation have been identified as key priorities. In this context, the use of low-carbon transportation methods will be encouraged, and dedicated parking areas for bicycles will be established on campus.

Waste management will also be implemented through a systematic approach. Separate waste collection stations for different categories will be installed across the festival area, and the sorting process will be supported by operational monitoring mechanisms. This system aims to increase recycling efficiency while strengthening environmental awareness among participants.

At the same time, sustainability principles will be reflected in the awarding process, with medals and prizes produced from environmentally responsible materials. It was particularly emphasized during the meeting that all activities carried out within the festival will be supported by measurable indicators. Analytical assessments will be conducted based on parameters such as participant behavior, waste volume, and the use of alternative transportation, and the final outcomes will be presented in a comprehensive report.

It was noted that the “First Campus Sports Festival” will not be implemented as a one-time event but as a strategic initiative aimed at fostering long-term behavioral change within the university. The integration of sustainability principles, large-scale participation, and systematic measurement of results will position the festival as a distinctive and exemplary model at the national level.