The Turkish Green Crescent Society organized the 6th Youth Advocacy Forum in Istanbul, Türkiye, on 21-23 November 2025 in cooperation with United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and with the support of the International Federation of Green Crescent (IFGC). Bringing together 30 young representatives from 18 countries, including South Africa, Uruguay, Malaysia, Belgium, the United States, and Kenya, the Forum aimed to build a shared vision for safer, healthier, and addiction-free communities.
Sport as Force for Change
This year’s Forum, held under the theme “Building Safe, Just, and Peaceful Societies Through Sport,” highlighted the power of sports and values-based education in preventing addiction, violence, crime, and other risky behaviors.
The opening ceremony took place at the Headquarters of the Turkish Green Crescent Society with the participation of 130 young people. The first session featured Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports of the Republic of Türkiye Assoc. Prof. Safa Koçoğlu, Turkish Green Crescent Vice President Doruk Malhan, WHO Türkiye Representative Dr. Tasnim Atatrah, and UNODC Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Expert Georgia Dimitropoulou, who shared their insights on how sport can be instrumental in prevention, peacebuilding, social inclusion, and youth well-being.
Inspiring Stories from Global Sports Experts
In the second session, Xenia Kourgouzova, Senior Education Manager at the International Olympic Committee, and Assoc. Prof. Arif Çetin from Marmara University’s Faculty of Sport Sciences delivered inspiring presentations on the relationship between sport, the body, and behavior, highlighting the positive impact of physical activity on mental health. They also emphasized how sports, when grounded in strong values, can empower young people. Mehmet Kani Polat, President of the World Taekwondo Athlete Committee and Captain of the Turkish National Taekwondo A-Team, further enriched the session by sharing his personal journey showing how his active involvement in sports helped him overcome a challenging environment and transformed his life in a powerful, positive way.
Hands-On Learning Through Interactive Workshops and Sports Activities
The Forum’s practical training sessions were held at the Riva Camp and Training Center of the Ministry of Youth and Sports. Throughout UNODC’s SC:ORE training and the Green Crescent’s Life Skills training, participants engaged in interactive workshops, team sports, and group games. These hands-on activities allowed participants to experience firsthand how sports and life skills contribute to addiction prevention.
A Global Network of Youth Advocates
Over the course of three days, the Forum connected passionate young leaders from around the world. Participants left with new tools, training, and inspiration to strengthen peace, safety, and healthy living in their own communities by using sport as a powerful engine for change.
If you want to be part of this experience in the next edition, check our web site for updates!
