The UNICEF-Netflix partnership is expanding through Genç Alan (Youth Area) and digital literacy initiatives

Istanbul, 30 January 2026 – Building on their shared commitment to empower young people, UNICEF and Netflix have launched the second phase of their collaboration to upscale activities at Genç Alan (Youth Area) in the earthquake affected area and expand innovative skills-building and participation opportunities for young people in Türkiye.

The UNICEF-Netflix partnership which began in 2023 with the establishment of  Genç Alan (Youth Area) in Nurdağı, Gaziantep— to support young people in earthquake affected communities reconnect with peers, rebuild their lives, and strengthen their resilience has now expanded— building on this success and strong engagement, —  to further invest in the skills and wellbeing of young people across Türkiye.

In 2025–2026, UNICEF and Netflix, in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth and Sports and Habitat Association, delivered comprehensive Digital Media Literacy trainings in Ankara, Gaziantep and Istanbul. More than 100 youth center staff and youth volunteers participated in those trainings, covering key areas essential for youth in today’s digital landscape, including online safety, combating cyberbullying and misinformation, healthy screen time and digital wellbeing, digital content creation and use of digital media for positive social impact. Participants also exchanged good practices from their respective youth centers and explored new ways to integrate digital media tools to better engage and support young people in youth centers.

Those youth center staff and youth volunteers will train more than 1,000 young people in MoYS Youth Centers, equipping them with critical digital skills and media literacy. The initiative aims to help young people navigate a technology-driven world safely and confidently—opening pathways to employment, supporting personal development, and empowering them to contribute meaningfully to their communities. Through this ongoing partnership, UNICEF and Netflix reaffirm their commitment to empower young people with the skills and opportunities they need to thrive in the digital age.

UNICEF Türkiye Representative Paolo Marchi said, “Today’s world demands that our young people have the digital skills to move safely, confidently, and creatively through an environment that is changing faster than ever. These skills don’t just prepare them for tomorrow’s jobs. They help them grow, express themselves, and actively shape the societies they live in.

Thanks to Netflix’s continued support, we are giving young people the digital media literacy they need to protect themselves from online risks—and to truly thrive in the digital age.

And our close collaboration with the Ministry of Youth and Sports is amplifying this impact. Together, we are not only training young people; we are strengthening the skills of youth center staff and volunteers, weaving digital literacy into ongoing programmes, and building a model that is sustainable and far‑reaching.”

Netflix Director to Global Affairs Director for Türkiye, Middle East, and North Africa, Pelin Mavili said, “Our collaboration with UNICEF has created real impact where it matters most. Supporting young people affected by the earthquake to reconnect with social life, rebuild confidence, and realize their potential has been at the heart of this partnership. Alongside this, our joint digital literacy training sessions aim to equip young people with lifelong skills to navigate the future with confidence. We thank the Turkish Ministry of Youth and Sports and UNICEF Türkiye for making this partnership possible. We’re proud of what we are achieving together for the next generation.”