In a joint effort by the UNDP and the Union of Municipalities of Türkiye, the European Union-funded Digital Youth Centers in 45 municipalities will help to develop digital skills of the young people

Ankara, 27 January 2025 – Today in Ankara, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Union of Municipalities of Türkiye (UMT) inaugurated the Digital Youth Centers (DIGEMs) in 45 municipalities across Türkiye within the European Union (EU) funded Today's Youth, Future Jobs Project. The centers have been equipped with training and activity areas, designed in accordance with the needs of the youth. People aged 15-29 will be equipped with technological and digital skills contributing to their employment in the future. The centers will also inform and guide adolescents aged 10-15 about future professions and digital skills.

Participants of the opening event included the UNDP Türkiye Resident Representative Monica Merino Domínguez, the Head of the Delegation of the EU to Türkiye Ambassador Thomas Hans Ossowski, Mayors of Adıyaman Municipality Abdurrahman Tutdere, Balıkesir Metropolitan Municipality Ahmet Akın, Bingöl Municipality Erdal Arıkan, Eskişehir Metropolitan Municipality Ayşe Ünlüce, Edirne Municipality Filiz Gencan Akın, Sivas Municipality Adem Uzun, Tekirdağ Metropolitan Municipality Candan Yüceer, Van Metropolitan Municipality Abdullah Zeydan, Zonguldak Municipality Tahsin Erdem, Karaköprü Municipality Nihat Çiftçi and Büyükçekmece Municipality Hasan Akgün, representatives from 45 municipalities, public institutions and organizations, private sector, civil society organizations and academicians. 

“Young people are the most valuable elements that will guide the future of our society with their high energy, innovative ideas and strong vision. The DİGEMs established in 45 pilot municipalities within the project and ready for opening symbolize the beginning of an important process that will shape the future of young people in the digital world. The project, which aims to increase digital competencies in areas such as information technologies, e-transformation, digital marketing and social innovation, will contribute to the creation of a more peaceful, tolerant and harmonious Türkiye,” said Suat Kılıç, General Secretray of UMT. “Girls are underrepresented in Türkiye, especially in the field of technology and digital literacy. We have to ensure that women take part in digital and green transformation processes and create equal opportunities in these areas.”

"Together with the Union of Municipalities of Türkiye (UMT), we established 45 Digital Youth Centers in selected municipalities across the country. This project, funded by the European Union, aims to bridge the digital divide across regions and increase the employability of young people for today’s and future jobs,” said Monica Merino Domínguez, UNDP Türkiye Resident Representative. “These centers are not just places of learning; they are hubs of innovation, creativity, and opportunity. Each center is equipped with modern IT infrastructure and tailored educational programs that align with the future job market needs. We are very grateful for the European Union’s financial and technical support and our appreciation to UMT, municipalities and partners for their commitment and collaboration.”

Ambassador Thomas Hans Ossowski said: “The EU is proud to support investment in skills, creativity and potential of young people across Türkiye. This is an important milestone on the path to digital transformation, which can further strengthening our ties and cooperation for education, sustainable growth and prosperity. I thank our partners - the UNDP and the Union of Municipalities of Türkiye - and wish you and our joint project a great success.”

Adıyaman, Aksaray, Antalya, Balıkesir, Batman, Bingöl, Bitlis, Bursa, Denizli, Diyarbakır, Efeler (Aydın), Elazığ, Erzurum, Esenyurt (İstanbul), Eskişehir, Gaziantep, Giresun, Hatay, İzmir, Kahramanmaraş, Karabük, Kars, Kayseri, Keçiören (Ankara), Kilis, Kocaeli, Konya, Malatya, Manisa, Mardin, Menteşe (Muğla), Mersin, Ordu, Osmaniye, Patnos (Ağrı), Sakarya, Samsun, Şanlıurfa, Seyhan (Adana), Şırnak, Sivas, Tekirdağ, Trabzon, Van and Yozgat are among the municipalities where the centers were mostly completed. In some municipalities, including earthquake-affected provinces, the construction of mobile and prefabricated centers is ongoing.

The training modules will enable young women and men to take an active role in the future business world. The curriculum has been designed to train young people as Data Analysts and Experts in the area of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, Digital Marketing, Software, Digital Design and E-Commerce according to the regional needs. The training of trainers program will take place at the start of the program. 

For the 10-15 age group, trainings will increase technology awareness, inform them about the future jobs and provide them with basic technical skills.

A digital e-learning platform will be lauched to provide online learning and training opportunities to young people. People who complete the trainings will also receive certificates. Through digital skills development trainings and awareness programs the aim is to train and reach 12,000 young people.

Young people attending the trainings will benefit from mentorship and internships, facilitating their access to employment opportunities. A center of excellence will also be established within UMT to provide regular training to municipal staff on digital skills development.

The project, will be completed in 2027. 

Further information:

Deniz Şilliler Tapan, UNDP Türkiye Communication Specialist, deniz.tapan@undp.org