Bahçelievler Municipality expands youth advisory program to 15,000 members

The Bahçelievler Municipality has expanded its ‘Young President Advisors’ initiative, which has now reached 15,000 members. The program integrates high school class representatives and university students into the local governance process.

Mayor Dr. Hakan Bahadır stated that the model is not a political structure but a social participation mechanism designed to strengthen youth belonging to the city. Unlike passive consultation models, these advisors participate in decision-making, implementation, and the evaluation of results regarding municipal projects and services.

In addition to the advisory role, the municipality provides various supports for youth, including educational assistance for stationery and transportation, 24-hour libraries, and clubs for artificial intelligence, software, music, and art. The initiative was recently highlighted in a webinar titled ‘Youth-Friendly Municipalism in Bahçelievler,’ organized in collaboration with the Turkey Healthy Cities Union.