On this page

1. Formal, non-formal and informal learning

2. Youth-targeted information campaigns on global issues

3. Information providers

4. Key initiatives

Formal, non-formal and informal learning

 The “International Relations” course is taught as an elective course in the secondary education curriculum of the Ministry of National Education. The course consists of seven units, and the textbook includes the following units:

• Introduction to International Relations

• Actors in International Relations and Types of Relations Between Actors

• Historical Development of International Relations

• Foreign Policy

• International Organizations

• International Issues

• Turkey’s Foreign Policy

According to the “Regulation on Social Activities in Educational Institutions” of the Ministry of National Education, which serves as a guide for activities carried out in all types and levels of formal and lifelong learning institutions, the “Special Days and Weeks Schedule” designates the following days each year:

• October 24: “United Nations Day”

• November 20: “World Children's Rights Day”

• December 10 Week: “Human Rights and Democracy Week”

• March 8: “International Women’s Day”

• April 7-13: “World Health Day/World Health Week”

The same regulation also directs social activities, social responsibility projects, and student club activities in schools. According to the “Student Clubs Schedule,” clubs directly related to global issues include:

• Democracy, Human Rights, and Citizenship Club

• MUN (Model United Nations) Club

• Green Protection Club

The “Environmental and Children's Academy” project, developed by the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change, aimed to raise awareness among students and teachers about environmental awareness, zero waste, circular economy, sustainability, and climate change mitigation and adaptation. Students were able to participate in this project using their Ministry of National Education system credentials. However, this project is currently inactive.

In youth centers affiliated with the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Vision Clubs have been established to introduce and implement international initiatives, make global opportunities accessible at the local level, attract young people to civil society activities, and help them acquire 21st-century skills. As part of these efforts, Training of Trainers programs have been conducted to develop presentation and instructional skills, enhance knowledge of international programs, and improve project management capabilities. In July and August 2024, a total of 60 young people received training of trainers, and these training sessions are planned to continue in 2025 and beyond.

Within the scope of the Erasmus+ Program, which is implemented by the Turkish National Agency, various education, training, youth, and sports projects are funded to support the development of beneficiaries' personal and professional skills through formal and informal learning processes. The program also aims to promote lifelong learning and ensure the recognition and documentation of learning outcomes gained through these projects.

In 2023, TRT (Turkish Radio and Television Corporation) conducted face-to-face Journalism Workshops for Youth in eight countries and 12 cities, involving more than 60 trainers and 991 participants in 20 workshops. In 2024, Mobile Journalism Workshops were held in 13 locations (six international, seven domestic), reaching 934 students with the participation of 42 TRT trainers.

Within the scope of the Citizen Diplomat Project, initiated by the Directorate of Communications’ Public Diplomacy Department, a Citizen Diplomacy Handbook has been prepared. This handbook provides comprehensive information for citizens to effectively represent Turkey in their host countries, shape perceptions about Turkey positively, convey official policies effectively, counter existing prejudices, and combat disinformation campaigns.

The handbook, translated into English, French, Arabic, and German, covers the following topics:

• Who is a Citizen Diplomat?

• Recommendations for Citizen Diplomats

• History of Turkey

• Culture

• Fundamental Principles of Turkish Foreign Policy

• Entrepreneurial and Humanitarian Diplomacy

• Fight Against International Terrorism

• 1915 Events

• Cyprus Issue

• Turkey’s Rights in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Aegean

• Human Rights and Democracy

• July 15 Coup Attempt

• "Did You Know?" Section (featuring facts about Turkey)

• Contact Numbers for Turkish Institutions and Organizations Abroad

   

Youth-targeted information campaigns on global issues

A Cooperation Protocol on Scientific Research, Entrepreneurship, and Increasing Scientific Awareness Among Youth has been signed between the Ministry of Youth and Sports and the Ministry of Industry and Technology to foster scientific awareness among young people, improve their qualifications in science, and support their personal development through educational programs and seminars.

Within this framework:

• 2022 Sky Observation Events and a Mars Camp Workshop were organized to raise awareness about astronomy and space sciences. The Mars Camp Workshop was a one-time event.

• Sky Observation Events were held in four cities, attracting 31,000 young participants, with accommodations provided in tents at the event sites.

• Participants engaged in sports activities (football, tennis, climbing) and traditional cultural activities during the event.

• During the day, workshops and talks were held on space, astronomy, and sky observation, and in the evening, participants had the opportunity to observe the sky using various telescopes.

• Today, this event continues under TÜBİTAK (The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey) in Antalya.

Through the Erasmus+ KA154 Youth Participation Activity, young people are supported in participating in projects that address local, regional, national, and international issues (such as environmental protection, climate change, and youth unemployment). This program also facilitates discussions between young people and decision-makers to seek solutions to pressing challenges.

A podcast series and videos highlighting opportunities available through the Erasmus+ and ESC Programs have been published on the Turkish National Agency’s website and YouTube channel. Additionally, the Turkish National Agency’s social media accounts provide updates on program news and announcements.

On TRT Türk, the program “Gençler Haklı” (Youth Are Right) explores youth-related issues with in-depth perspectives and guidance. Topics such as addictions, academic life, interpersonal differences and individuality, and indecisiveness are discussed with expert Prof. Dr. Hamza Müslümanoğlu. TRT channels have also aired documentaries and programs on sustainability and recycling, with reruns still being broadcast. Additionally, the TRT School channel continues to provide various educational programs for young audiences.

As part of the Citizen Diplomat Project initiated by the Directorate of Communications, a launch event was held on June 4, 2024, to educate citizens about public diplomacy. The event featured a panel with two sessions:

1. “New Actors in Public Diplomacy: Citizens”

2. “Reimagining Public Diplomacy in Turkey’s Century: Citizen Diplomats”

This panel included representatives from public institutions, academia, and the cultural sector.

To further promote and expand the project, a follow-up event titled “Citizen Diplomat Project: Turkey’s Global Representation in Sports” was held on October 16, 2024. The event focused on strengthening Turkey's public diplomacy strategies and explored how sports and citizen diplomacy can be utilized as tools for international representation. The program included Turkish athletes who have achieved international success and representatives from relevant public institutions.

Information providers

In Youth Centers, young people are continuously provided with information about international youth participation programs and cooperation opportunities in which the Ministry of Youth and Sports is either responsible or a stakeholder. Additionally, the General Directorate of Youth Services is working on establishing a “Youth Information Network” to ensure that young people can easily and quickly access accurate information related to their interests.

Within this scope, the Ministry of Youth and Sports (GSB) plans to establish a “Youth Information Service”, which aims to provide young people with access to the information and services they need, ensure they obtain complete and reliable information, and address their needs with a holistic approach. Work on this initiative is ongoing as of 2025.

The Turkish National Agency (EU Education and Youth Programs Center Presidency) is the implementing body of the Erasmus+ Program and the European Solidarity Corps (ESC) Program in Turkey. The Turkish National Agency raises awareness about learning and cooperation opportunities available to young people and provides them with guidance.

Eurodesk is a European Information Network that provides young people with information about educational and youth opportunities in Europe and their participation in European activities. Operating in 36 European countries, the Eurodesk Information Network has been active in Turkey under the Turkish National Agency since 2008. Currently, Turkey has 106 Eurodesk contact points in 64 provinces.

Eurodesk services include:

• Free inquiry response services (via email, fax, phone, or in-person visits)

• Guidance and assistance services for inquiries

• Internet access to European information on funding opportunities

• Organizing training sessions and providing support services

• Conducting conferences, seminars, and other events

• Printing and distributing resource materials

• Disseminating information about the Youth Program

Key initiatives

The youth exchange programs implemented by the Ministry of Youth and Sports through Youth Centers play an important role in enhancing young people's international collaborations and increasing their interest in global issues. These youth exchange programs refer to international youth and/or expert exchanges carried out mutually between Youth Centers under the Ministry of Youth and Sports and institutions or organizations abroad.

Exchanges primarily take place with public or non-profit private institutions operating in the field of youth in countries that have signed a cooperation agreement with the Republic of Turkey or have a protocol agreement with the Ministry.

The Ministry may also organize “Networking Seminars” at certain periods. These seminars are designed to bring together organizations interested in conducting youth exchanges.

Additionally, Youth Centers can collaborate with other centers that have previously conducted exchanges to facilitate partnerships. The exchange program is developed in consultation with the partner organization, ensuring mutual input on the program's structure.

The international exchange programs, conducted based on the principle of reciprocity, have the following features:

• The program duration is a maximum of 7 days

• Each exchange includes up to 15 young participants

• The expenses of the partner organization in Turkey are covered by the Ministry of Youth and Sports (GSB)

• The expenses of the Turkish group abroad are covered by the partner organization

• Each Youth Center can benefit from this program only once per year

When selecting participants for exchange programs, national and local calls for applications are announced, and the selection process is conducted based on objective criteria.

The thematic focus areas of these exchange programs include:

• Intercultural learning
• Youth participation
• Innovation
• Climate change
• Career planning
• Entrepreneurship
• Professional development
• Volunteering

The international youth exchange and mobility programs conducted in 2023 and 2024, as well as those planned for 2025, continue to be organized within these thematic frameworks.