NEWS

The project titled “SG4Y-CLIMATE: Smart Governance for Youth Involvement in Climate Action”, developed under the leadership of Istanbul Nişantaşı University, has been awarded a grant of €493,000 within the scope of the Interreg NEXT Black Sea Basin (BSB) Program. The project aims to encourage active and meaningful youth participation in climate action while enhancing the capacity of local governments through digital and participatory governance tools.

Project partners include Tekirdağ Metropolitan Municipality (Türkiye), ALDA Moldova – Chisinau Branch of the European Association for Local Democracy (Moldova), and Galați Municipality (Romania). This strong international collaboration represents more than just a

regional environmental initiative—it is a significant effort to promote participatory democracy and empower youth as solution partners for global chalenges.

As part of the SG4Y-CLIMATE project, an International Youth Council for Climate Action will be established, and an AI-powered digital participation platform will be developed. Advocacy campaigns and awareness activities carried out with youth involvement will enable active youth engagement in the climate justice movement across the Black Sea Basin.

This project is a concrete reflection of Istanbul Nişantaşı University’s vision for internationalization and its vibrant research ecosystem. It will not only enhance the university’s academic recognition on a European level but also offer a multi-actor, impact-oriented learning experience for students. They will gain interdisciplinary knowledge and experience in key areas such as climate change, digital governance, sustainability, and social responsibility.

For faculty members, such projects are crucial for accessing international research funding, fostering interdisciplinary collaborations, and connecting scientific knowledge with decision-makers. SG4Y-CLIMATE stands as an important step in the university’s commitment to a science-based, socialy engaged, and youth-centered vision.