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1. Main concepts

2. Youth interest in global issues

Main concepts

The topic of youth participation and cooperation at the international level is addressed under the policy area of “Youth in the International Arena and Intercultural Dialogue” in the National Youth and Sports Policy Document. Within this scope, objectives have been adopted to encourage young people to engage in participatory collaborations at the international level and to develop the necessary skills to succeed in this field. The following objectives regarding youth participation in the international arena are included in the National Youth and Sports Policy Document:

• Increasing the effective contribution and participation of our young people in the international society in the globalized world. 

• Supporting the cooperation of youth associations at the local, regional, national, and international levels, particularly with neighboring countries.

Additionally, one of the key objectives stated in the Ministry of Youth and Sports 2024-2028 Strategic Plan is:

• Organizing, participating in, and supporting meetings, courses, seminars, and similar activities related to youth both at home and abroad.

Youth interest in global issues

According to the survey of "Youth of Türkiye" conducted by the Türkiye Youth NGOs Platform (TGSP) among young people aged 15-30:

• 32.4% expressed high interest in environmental issues,

• 40.5% showed high interest in human rights, animal rights, judicial processes, and related justice issues,

• 42.9% stated they were highly interested in freedom of expression and civil liberties.

The effects of these issues, which are prioritized in numerous research and development activities, as well as in sectors such as education, economy, transportation, and health, are expected to become more evident in the near future.

Another study conducted by the Ministry of National Education (MoNE) during the 2022-2023 period on high school students' awareness of climate change and environmental issues involved 110,486 students. According to the findings:

• 89.0% agreed that global climate change will reduce water resources in the future,

• 88.5% acknowledged that climate change could lead to air and water pollution,

• 89.6% recognized that climate change has negative impacts on human health.

Regarding biodiversity and ecological balance, 69.7% of the students stated that failing to protect biodiversity would negatively affect the ecological balance.

Additionally:

• 75.6% agreed that sustainability plays a key role in maintaining the interaction between humans and the environment,

• 91.1% stated they were aware that preserving plant and animal species is essential for sustainability.

Regarding the human factor in climate change:

• 89.1% of the students agreed that the failure to protect green areas poses serious threats to the climate,

• 81.0% stated that they do not fully fulfill their responsibilities in environmental protection.

Regarding sustainable consumption and recycling:

• 61.7% of the students reported purchasing eco-friendly products (such as ozone-friendly sprays, recyclable packaging, and economy-sized products),

• 79.8% stated that they actively participate in recycling efforts (such as the disposal of batteries, glass, plastic, and paper).

Efficient use of energy resources is crucial for addressing climate change and environmental problems:

• 86.7% stated that the efficient use of energy resources is essential for leaving a livable world for future generations,

• 88.0% acknowledged that they should use renewable energy sources instead of fossil fuels.

Regarding the role of education and regulations:

• 91.3% believed that increasing the number of environmentally conscious individuals can help prevent environmental problems,

• 83.3% emphasized the necessity of effective environmental education,

• 80.2% supported the introduction of legal regulations to address climate change and environmental issues.

Regarding youth engagement and motivation:

• 58.0% expressed enthusiasm for learning new information about global climate change,

• 52.7% found watching films and documentaries about environmental issues interesting.

Recognizing the growing impact of climate and environmental challenges, various solution-oriented approaches are being explored. Among the students surveyed:

• 79.0% agreed that new and innovative technologies should be utilized to address environmental and climate-related problems,

• 50.8% believed they could develop solutions to climate-related challenges,

• 45.0% expressed willingness to participate in a social responsibility project related to environmental issues.

Turkish National Agency is member of RAY (Research-based Analysis and Monitoring of European Youth Programmes) Network. Transnational evaluation studies and analysis in the youth field are reported through the Reports of RAY Network which provide valuable knowledge on various aspects within Erasmus+ Youth and ESC programmes including background of the participants, personal and youth work related competence development, how the programmes contributes to priorities of European Youth Strategy and the Programmes. It is aimed to contribute to evidence-based and research-informed youth policy development in the youth field especially under priority areas such as inclusion, digitalisation and effects of pandemic on youth work in Europe and to promote dialogue between research, policy and practice in the youth field. Besides, the RAY Network aims to contribute to the recognition of non-formal education and learning in the youth field, in particular to a better understanding in the context of international youth work and learning mobility.