Anna Lindh Foundation

DigitalBridges: Strengthening Intercultural Dialogue Through Responsible Digital Citizenship Successfully Held in Antalya, Turkey

From November 6-9, 2024, Antalya, one of Turkiye’s most popular cities, hosted the event “#DigitalBridges: Strengthening Intercultural Dialogue Through Responsible Digital Citizenship.” Bringing together young leaders, educators, and digital experts from across Europe, this initiative was organised within the scope of the Erasmus+ KA210-YOU project "EthiTech" and the Anna Lindh Foundation’s #ALFinMotion 6th edition. It provided a unique platform to promote responsible digital engagement and enhance intercultural cooperation.

An Event Realized Through International Cooperation

The event was organised under the leadership of Anka Youth Association (Turkey), in partnership with Jugendvision e.V. (Germany) and the Youth Competency Development Association (Romania). Thanks to the expertise of these organisations in different fields, a comprehensive approach was adopted to address digital literacy, ethical online behavior, and intercultural dialogue, equipping participants with skills to navigate the digital world consciously.

Key Highlights of the Event

The four-day program featured interactive workshops, cultural exchanges, and project-based learning opportunities. Participants engaged in impactful discussions and hands-on activities on the following topics:

  • Digital Ethics and Online Safety – Experts from Germany and Romania conducted training sessions on cybersecurity awareness, responsible social media use, and combating disinformation.
  • Social Inclusion Through Digital Tools – Participants explored how digital platforms can be used for advocacy, cultural expression, and bridging social divides.
  • Intercultural Exchange and Project Development – Young leaders worked in multinational teams to develop digital projects that reflect ethical online interaction and mutual respect principles.

Impact and Future Plans

The event not only strengthened participants’ digital citizenship skills but also fostered cross-border collaboration. Participants gained not only digital competencies but also meaningful international connections, taking significant steps toward becoming intercultural dialogue ambassadors in the digital space.

Highlighting the event's significance, Firdes Hasır, President of Anka Youth Association and Project Manager, stated:
"In today’s interconnected world, responsible digital participation is of vital importance. This event empowered young people to become conscious and ethical digital citizens while also embracing cultural diversity."

Based on the positive feedback from participants and partner organizations, the "#DigitalBridges" initiative will continue to expand with further collaborations promoting digital literacy and intercultural understanding. Plans are already underway to ensure the program’s sustainability and create a broader impact across Europe.

For more information about the project and future events, visit Anka Youth Association’s Facebook page.

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