The Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA) has received 1,248 applications from students at 156 universities across Türkiye for its 2026 Development Ambassadors Program, which will bring university students together with their peers in countries where the agency carries out development projects.
Running between July 23 and Sept. 30, the program aims to strengthen interaction and experience-sharing between successful university students from Türkiye and local students across Africa, Asia, the Balkans and the Middle East.
Participants will contribute to projects implemented by TIKA and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), while also visiting public institutions and Türkiye's diplomatic missions abroad. The program includes academic activities as well as cultural and historical visits aimed at familiarizing participants with their host countries.
This year's planning covers 38 countries, with active projects scheduled in 35. The Gambia, Guinea and Tanzania have been designated as reserve countries.
Community development projects account for the largest share of activities, covering around 15 countries, including Bosnia-Herzegovina, South Africa, Montenegro, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), Mozambique, Jordan, Albania, Chad, Algeria and Georgia.
