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1. Governance

2. Cross-sectorial cooperation

Governance

In Türkiye, youth social inclusion policies aim to reduce barriers to participation faced by young people in disadvantaged situations (e.g., low-income background, disability, limited access to education and services). The main policy framework is provided by the National Youth and Sports Policy Document, complemented by cross-sector priorities in national planning documents such as the 12th Development Plan (2024-2028). Within this framework, the Ministry of Youth and Sports acts as the main public authority for youth policy, coordinating youth-related inclusion measures with other central institutions. Key public actors contributing to policy design and implementation include the Ministry of National Education (education and school-based inclusion), the Ministry of Family and Social Services (social assistance and protection services), the Presidency of Türkiye, Presidency of Strategy and Budget (strategic planning and budgeting), the Ministry of Labour and Social Security together with Turkish Employment Agency (employment and labour market access), the Social Security Institution (social security coverage), and institutions addressing mobility and protection needs such as the The Presidency of Migration Management and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Directorate for EU Affairs. In addition, non-public actors—including NGOs and associations working with youth, persons with disabilities, low-income communities, and young people under international/temporary protection, as well as universities/research institutions and social partners—contribute through service delivery, advocacy, research, and participation in consultations and project-based cooperation.

Responsibilities are shared between central and local/provincial levels. At central level, ministries and affiliated institutions set the legal and strategic framework, define national targets, allocate budgets, and develop programmes and guidance. At local level, implementation and outreach are typically carried out through provincial/district structures of relevant ministries (e.g., youth and sports, education, family and social services, labour), and local administrations/municipalities where applicable, often in cooperation with civil society. This multi-level set-up enables national priorities (e.g., social cohesion services, post-treatment recovery and follow-up in the fight against addiction, and support for young people under international/temporary protection) to be adapted to local needs through coordinated service provision and partnerships.

Cross-sectorial cooperation

In the Youth Centres social inclusion educations and programmes is implemented for the disadvantageous youngsters as well as for the Syrian youngsters which are under temporary protection in cooperation with charity organisations. Ministry of Youth and Sports collaborates with local civil organisations in determining the youngsters who are under the risk of social exclusion.

Within the framework of youthwork for fostering social inclusion, Youth Projects Support Programme offers grant opportunities to civil and voluntary organisations targeting the young people facing social exclusion or disadvantage whatsoever.  This grant programme constitutes a basis for cooperation between the Ministry and the civil organisations in the field of social inclusion of young people.

As part of efforts to foster social inclusion, the Social Cohesion and Youth Participation Project is carried out in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the The Presidency of Migration Management under the Ministry of Interior, and various civil society organizations. This project aims to strengthen the social cohesion of young refugees and host community youth through joint activities. By organizing social, cultural, and sports events, the initiative fosters interaction between different youth groups, helping to break down prejudices and create an inclusive society.