The GOV101 Training Program, created together with young people and built entirely on voluntary participation, has been awarded Best Volunteer University Project at the 18th Corporate Volunteer Awards, organized by the Private Sector Volunteers Association.
İstanbul, 10 December 2025
Best Volunteer University Project Award highlights GOV101’s strong contribution to promoting a culture of good governance among university students through its youth-led, participatory, and sustainable model.
GOV101, which emerged from the aspirations of university students introduced to good governance through the Argüden Governance Academy, has rapidly evolved into a sustainable volunteer movement. Since 2019, the program has graduated 622 students across 12 terms, from 37 cities and 103 universities. Today, it is entirely designed and led by university students, guided by the leadership of its own alumni.
GOV101 also serves as the cornerstone of the Argüden Governance Academy Youth Network where young people independently lead the planning, implementation, and content development processes. This structure demonstrates that the program is not merely a training initiative, but a pioneering model—one initiated and sustained by young volunteers, creating a trust-based transformation within society.
With young people taking active, creative, and transformative roles, GOV101 builds a bridge across generations and sparks long-lasting, positive change. By introducing youth to the core principles of good governance, the program encourages them to become more aware, responsible, and engaged citizens.
When values like transparency, accountability, participation, and inclusiveness take root among young people, they help strengthen trust within society, boost democratic resilience, and support the creation of a more participatory and inclusive environment—both locally and nationally.
Pınar Ilgaz, Argüden Governance Academy Vice Chair shared her thoughts:
GOV101 is a journey that helps university students move beyond simply listening or following. It encourages them to think, design, take responsibility, and become the driving force behind positive social change. Created and run entirely by university students on a voluntary basis, the program is one of Türkiye’s pioneering examples of bringing the culture of good governance together with the dreams, energy, and creativity of young generations.
This award is a heartfelt recognition of our belief in next generatiom leaders and the trust in our approach—one that blends their hope, imagination, and collaborative spirit with the values of good governance. When the young take part in governance processes in an active and informed way, they strengthen our democracy, inspire bold and innovative solutions to social challenges, and help open the door to a more fair and more inclusive future. And with this spirit in mind, we will continue to support them—nurturing their sense of responsibility, their courage to lead, and their passion for volunteering.
