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1. Information providers / counselling structures

2. Youth-targeted information campaigns about democratic rights and democratic values

3. Promoting the intercultural dialogue among young people

4. Promoting transparent and youth-tailored public communication

Information providers / counselling structures

One of the tools for the active participation of young people in social life is their awareness and knowledge of the rights they have. In relation to the generalisation of democratic rights and democratic values among young people, the Ministry of National Education, the Ministry of Youth and Sports and non-governmental organisations have various projects and programmes.

Within the Ministry of Youth and Sports, youth centres provide guidance and counselling services to young people, contribute to their personal and social development and help them to acquire knowledge and skills. According to the Ministry’s official statistics, there were 522 youth centres nationwide in 2024 (Youth and Sports Statistics 2024). The procedures and principles regarding the operation and service provision of youth centres are regulated by the Youth Centres Regulation (Official Gazette, 26.05.2022, No. 31847).

One of the main political areas of the National Youth and Sports Policy Document is “Informing Young People”. The main target of this policy area emphasises establishing user-friendly information channels so that young people can participate in social life and benefit from services and opportunities (see the official English document: The National Youth and Sports Policy Document).

With this purpose, policies and targets include:

1. Informing young people about activities in an efficient and adequate way (e.g. establishing an electronic database and communication channels; using mass media, internet and social networks).
2. Training individuals, institutions and organisations working in the field of youth on youth activities.
   (See: The National Youth and Sports Policy Document).

In line with these policies and targets, the Ministry of Youth and Sports organises various activities to inform young people in many areas, including democratic rights and democratic values.

Youth-targeted information campaigns about democratic rights and democratic values

Public organisations, universities, local administrations and non-governmental organisations carry out various programmes and projects in relation to youth participation and raising awareness among young people regarding democratic rights and democratic values.

In 2016, a grant scheme titled Youth Initiatives for Dialogue Grant Scheme was launched to support youth projects promoting intercultural dialogue and good practices.

One of the project areas supported by the Ministry of Youth and Sports through the Youth Projects Support Programme includes participation-related themes, and project calls have been used as a tool to support youth organisations and youth-led participation activities.

In addition, under Erasmus+, “youth participation” actions aim to foster young people’s participation in democratic life (Erasmus+ Programme Guide: Youth participation activities; Turkish National Agency / KA154-YOU: Gençlik Katılımı).

Promoting the intercultural dialogue among young people

One of the main political areas of the National Youth and Sports Policy Document is “Youth in the International Arena and Intercultural Dialogue”. Targets include supporting participation in international activities and strengthening intercultural interaction (see: The National Youth and Sports Policy Document).

The Ministry of Youth and Sports carries out initiatives that can contribute to intercultural dialogue and social cohesion among young people. For example, the Peace and Protection Through Sports Project is implemented in collaboration with UNHCR Türkiye and the Ministry, with funding provided by the Barça Foundation, and aims to support social cohesion and protection-sensitive approaches through sport.

Promoting transparent and youth-tailored public communication

Young people can forward their requests, demands and complaints to public institutions through official communication channels, including e-government services and the Presidential Communication Centre (CİMER). For the Ministry of Youth and Sports, services and official access points are available via e-Devlet (Ministry of Youth and Sports page).

Within the National Youth and Sports Policy Document, the policy area “Informing Young People” includes targets related to transparent and youth-friendly communication (e.g. using mass media and digital channels, informing young people about activities, and establishing electronic information sources). These targets are pursued through the Ministry’s communication and information channels and youth-facing service platforms (The National Youth and Sports Policy Document).