Established on August 13, 2023
A new voice for the youth of North Cyprus
8 Member Associations
Working together for youth empowerment
Our Mission
To empower young people in North Cyprus through advocacy, representation, and meaningful engagement in civil society.
What is the Mission of the Youth Federation?
The Youth Federation is an umbrella civil society organization established to strengthen the representation of Turkish Cypriot youth in social, cultural, economic and political spheres; to increase young people's participation in decision-making mechanisms; and to contribute to the development of youth policies.
By bringing together youth associations operating in different fields under the same roof, the Federation aims to create a shared youth vision and produce sustainable policies aligned with that vision.
In line with these goals, the Youth Federation:
- 01Contributes to the formulation of youth policies
- 02Represents young people at local and international levels
- 03Supports the social, cultural and academic development of young people
- 04Acts as a bridge between public institutions and civil society
- 05Carries out projects in areas such as education, environment, technology and human rights
- 06Conducts activities to strengthen young people's active citizenship awareness
At the same time, the Federation encourages young people to be not only participants but also producing, leading individuals who play an active role in decision-making processes.
Our Organization and Operating Philosophy
The Youth Federation has a multi-layered and inclusive organizational structure.
The highest decision-making body of the Federation is the Central Council. The Council consists of 22 people in total: the presidents of the 8 associations under our Federation and 14 other separately elected members.
The Central Council is supported by the General Presidency, the General Secretariat and various coordination units.
View details- Association Presidents
Member Representation - 0
- Elected Members
Independent Representation - 0
Youth Assembly
The participatory body where young people are directly represented. It is the core platform where opinions and proposals shape federation policies.
The participatory body where youth are directly represented. Term II (from 1 April 2026) seats 56 representatives, organised under Island-wide and 6 district groups.
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Establishment Process
- 2019
In 2019, at the first Turkish Cypriot Youth Congress held under the auspices of the Presidency with participants from all municipalities and political parties by independent youth and student organizations, it was unanimously decided by all Congress participants to establish a Youth Federation, considering the absence of a national youth council that would represent Turkish Cypriot youth and defend Congress decisions.
- 2019 – 2023
During the period between 2019 and 2023, independent youth activities on the island were increased, large-scale events and mass meetings were organized, and independent youth organizations were established by Congress participants. During this period, the 2nd Congress and 3rd Congress were organized in 2021 and 2023.
- August 13, 2023
On August 13, 2023, at the end of the 3rd Congress, the establishment of the Youth Federation was announced by the joint decision of seven youth associations registered and active in North Cyprus.
- August 13, 2024
For one year, statute meetings were held in every region of the island through youth associations, lawyers and volunteers, and controversial issues were voted on at the statute camp in Kantara. The Youth Federation Statute in its final form was accepted and signed by the founding associations on August 13, 2024.
- December 20, 2024
On December 20, 2024, the First General Assembly was held, the Federation organs were determined, and activities officially started.
- March 17, 2026
On March 17, 2026, the 2nd General Assembly of the Youth Federation was completed. The list led by Mustafa Özbilgehan was unanimously re-elected as the Central Council for the 2026-28 term. Additionally, elections for the 2nd Term Youth Assembly were completed, and the 56-member assembly will begin its duties on April 1. In the new term, with strong cadres, broad representation and a determined vision, we continue to work to solve the problems of young people and expand their opportunities.
Core Organs
Three main structures stand out within the Federation:
Member Associations
These are the structures forming the grassroots of the Federation and carrying out fieldwork. The member associations operating under the Turkish Cypriot Youth Federation are organized in Girne, Lefkoşa, Güzelyurt, Lefke, Gazimağusa and İskele regions, conducting youth-focused work.
Through these associations, various activities are organized to contribute to the social, cultural and personal development of young people. These activities include educational and capacity-building workshops, nature hikes, cultural events and organizations that increase social interaction.
These activities under the Federation aim to encourage active participation of young people, raise their social awareness and contribute to their multi-faceted development.
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Youth Congress
One of the finest examples of these activities is the Youth Congress, which we hold every two years. Organized by the Turkish Cypriot Youth Federation, the Youth Congress is a participatory platform where young people come together to discuss national issues and make decisions.
In line with our structure that prioritizes young people becoming not only voices but also policy-makers and influencers; during the Congress, youth are divided into committees (education, economy, environment, etc.), current issues and existing problems are discussed, solutions are proposed, decisions are made, and these decisions are reported to relevant institutions.
Core Goals of the Congress
- Include young people in decision-making processes
- Produce youth policies
- Develop solutions to social problems