Supported by the Turkish National Agency and implemented under the leadership of the Bülbülzade Association, the “International Networking and Civil Diplomacy Skills of Young People in the Digital Age” activity, organized within the scope of Erasmus+ KA151 Youth Mobility in partnership with our institution, was successfully completed in Kızılcahamam, Ankara, on August 14, 2026.

The Erasmus+ KA151 youth activity titled "International Networking and Civil Diplomacy Skills of Young People in the Digital Age," supported by the Turkish National Agency and implemented under the leadership of the Bülbülzade Association, was successfully completed with the closing program held in Kızılcahamam, Ankara. Held between August 10 and 14, 2026, the project brought together Alaca Association from North Macedonia, USAP and Maarif Europe from Germany, Maarif Belgium from Belgium, IFS EMMAUS from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Novi Pazar Turkish Cultural Center from Serbia, New Horizon from France, and Bülbülzade Association, Anatolian Student Union, BEKAM, REFAR, and Yeşil Umut Association from Türkiye.

FOUNDATIONS FOR COOPERATION WERE LAID

The project, held at Eliz Hotel Convention Center Thermal Spa & Wellness, was carried out simultaneously with the 20th Anatolian Meetings. Within the scope of the program, seminars, workshops, policy development activities, simultaneous youth forums, peer-learning activities, introduction and socialization events, a cultural night, quizzes, and various social activities were held. Thanks to the seminars, workshops, and policy development forums held throughout the program, the foundations for new international collaborations were laid. The role of young people in building trust among societies was addressed with great care.

A KEY ROLE IN PREVENTING CRISES

The closing session held on the final day of the project witnessed colorful moments in which participating young people shared their feelings and thoughts. Taking the floor, the young people emphasized the importance of getting to know different cultures and developing a common understanding. Civil society leaders and academics who delivered the closing speeches of the program stated that civil diplomacy plays a key role in preventing crises. The speakers expressed that listening is a virtue that heals people and opens the way to their hearts.

EMPHASIS ON INTERNATIONAL BROTHERHOOD

Following the closing program, Youthpass certificates documenting the learning outcomes were presented to the participants by the project coordinators. Following the certificate ceremony, the Cultural Night event began and became a true gathering of cultures. The participating young people served each other local snacks specially brought from their own countries at the shared tables, sharing different flavors and tastes. Throughout the night, traditional dances were performed to the national music of the participating countries, while the young people had very enjoyable moments. This cheerful event, which gave the participants the opportunity to get to know each other's cultures closely, further reinforced the project's emphasis on international friendship and brotherhood.