Hakan Fidan praises Bilal Erdoğan's foundation: 'May their numbers increase'

Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan attended the TÜGVA Specialization Academy 2026 Launch Program held in Istanbul. In his speech there, he praised the effectiveness and activities of TÜGVA across Turkey.

Fidan said, "TÜGVA has become a tremendous structure in terms of producing good, and this is a source of pride for us." Minister Fidan touched upon the importance of young people actively participating in community service and emphasized that supporting civil society activities is a critical duty.

CIVIL SOCIETY MUST BE STRONG

Stating that civil society needs to develop in Turkey, Fidan said, "May God increase the number of organizations like TÜGVA and further strengthen civil society structures." He expressed that young people contributing to society would also provide great benefits to their personal development. Fidan remarked, "It pleases us to see young people adding meaning to their lives by working on the path of good." He also noted that it is of great value for young people to engage in activism that carries social responsibility.

A CALL FOR ACTIVISM AND RESPONSIBILITY TO YOUTH

Minister Fidan underscored that young people should fulfill not only individual but also social responsibilities. "Taking on a concern for the sake of society, beyond individualism, and taking responsibility is a very valuable matter," said Fidan, noting that the national education system also aims to create this kind of consciousness. He expressed that all state institutions are making efforts to instill this awareness in young people.

Fidan drew attention to the importance of a society being able to produce value on its own. "How much art, how much good, how much activity can a society produce? How far can it stay away from apathy?" he asked, stating that contributing to others by sacrificing from oneself is a factor that strengthens societies.

Addressing the young people attending the meeting, Fidan said, "The friendships and collaborations you form here will be moments you will never forget," adding that these years would be one of the important turning points in their lives. "These experiences will remain a reference point for a lifetime," he said, noting that the years the youth spend in activism will always provide them with a driving force.