The “International Networking and Civil Diplomacy Skills of Young People in the Digital Age” activity, organized within the scope of the Erasmus+ KA151 Youth Mobility supported by the Turkish National Agency and implemented by Bülbülzade Association, was successfully completed on 14 August 2026 in Kızılcahamam, Ankara.
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 coordination of Bülbülzade Association, was successfully completed with the closing program held in Kızılcahamam, Ankara. Held between 10 and 14 August 2026, the project included 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, Anadolu 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 Gatherings. Within the scope of the program, seminars, workshops, policy development activities, simultaneous youth forums, peer learning activities, meeting and socializing events, a cultural evening, quizzes and various social activities were held. Thanks to the seminars, workshops and policy development forums held throughout the program, the foundations of new international cooperation were laid. The role of young people in building trust between 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 as participating young people shared their feelings and thoughts. The young people who took the stage emphasized the importance of getting to know different cultures and developing a common understanding. Civil society leaders and academics who delivered the closing speeches 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 Evening event began and became a true gathering of cultures. Participating young people offered local snacks specially brought from their respective countries to one another at shared tables, sharing different tastes. Throughout the evening, traditional dances were performed to the national music of the participating countries, while the young people had a great deal of fun. This joyful event, where participants had the opportunity to get to know each other's cultures closely, further reinforced the project's emphasis on international friendship and brotherhood.
