Through Our University’s “Green Pearl” Project, Young People from Across Türkiye Are Becoming Climate Ambassadors

The “Green Pearl Module: Trainer Training and Climate Ambassadors Movement” project—developed by our university’s Inci Youth Society and selected for support under the University Student Societies Cooperation and Support Program (ÜNİDES) of the Ministry of Youth and Sports of the Republic of Türkiye—is now being launched.

Through training sessions to be held at our university’s Youth Academy from November 23–25, 2026, the project aims to enhance university students' knowledge and awareness regarding climate change, environmental protection, ecological balance, and water conservation. It also seeks to develop young people into competent trainers capable of spearheading environmental transformation within their own universities and cities.

Bringing together youth from various universities across Türkiye, the program will feature not only theoretical training but also hands-on workshops and collaborative projects. The opening conference and information panels will be open to all university students.

Training Sessions to be Led by Leading Experts in the Field

Over the course of the three-day program, specialized academics will conduct sessions focused on climate and sustainability. These include “The Future of Water: Water Conservation, Drought, and Sustainable Living,” led by Prof. Dr. Deniz Ayas, Director of our university’s Marine Sciences Application and Research Center (DEBİM); and “Green Chemistry and Chemical Safety in Ecological Transformation,” led by Prof. Dr. Elif Çelenk Kaya, Director of the Occupational Health and Safety and Occupational Diseases Application and Research Center at Ondokuz Mayıs University. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Onur Başar Özbozkurt, a faculty member at our university and an expert in policy and strategy, will deliver a session titled “Green Transition: Zero Waste, Renewable Energy, and Green Campus.” Meanwhile, Aslıhan Toyoğlu—an advisor to the Inci Youth Society at Mersin University and a lecturer at the Occupational Health and Safety Application and Research Center—will conduct a session on “The Climate Crisis and Turkey’s Future: What Can Young People Do?”

Youth to Serve as Both Implementers and Trainers for the Project

Students from the Inci Youth Society will play an active role in the preparation and execution of the project. Society President Aslı Eren will provide training on “Effective Presentation Techniques,” Nüpelda Öter on the “Project Life Cycle,” and Meryem Üçkazan on “Digital Marketing Techniques.” Through these sessions, the project aims to bolster the participants' skills in areas such as presentations, project development, planning, and digital communication.

As for the social interaction component of the program, Yusuf Cihat Cezayirli, founder of the Inci Youth Association, will organize surprise games and activities for the youth, designed to foster solidarity, communication, and team spirit.

30 Young Trainer Candidates from Across Turkey to Gather

The project’s target audience consists of students aged 18–30 who are currently enrolled in associate, undergraduate, or graduate programs at universities across Turkey and have a keen interest in environmental issues, climate, civil society, and youth-focused initiatives. The program is set to host a total of 30 young trainer candidates—15 from Mersin and 15 from other provinces. Based on the outcomes of the workshop, a "Green Pearl Training Module Draft Booklet" and local action plans will be developed, which the participants can implement on their own campuses and in their respective cities.

Youth Contribution to COP31 and the 2053 Net-Zero Emission Vision

The project aims to raise awareness among young people regarding Turkey’s climate policies, the COP31 process, and the 2053 Net-Zero Emission Vision, while empowering them to develop proposals that contribute to climate policy from a youth perspective. Participants who complete the training program will be certified as youth trainers and encouraged to serve as "Green Pearl Ambassadors" by organizing at least one outreach training session at their respective universities.

The training booklets, modules, and implementation proposals will be made accessible to thousands of young people through both digital and printed materials. In this way, the project seeks to establish a sustainable youth network across various universities and evolve into a lasting climate movement that spans from the local to the national level.

Press and Public Relations Department