HLA partnered with Save the Children International – Türkiye Country Office to deliver a workshop for youth from Syria and Turkey in Gaziantep this April.
There are over 1.9 billion young people in the world, many of whom live in places affected by conflict, disasters, or other challenges.
The Humanitarian Leadership Academy (HLA) works with young people not just as leaders of the future – but as people already helping their communities today during crises. It is based on this principle, that HLA created this workshop to support youth who want to make a difference.
As a follow up to a series of interactions with young people in the region and across the globe, and with evidence and research collected from youth initiatives held with partners; HLA developed the workshop – the first of its kind – focused on youth to allow for more youth and youth representatives to participate and think about how they can lead in their community before, during, and after emergencies.
“We worked through practical tools, peer support models, and the kind of leadership that’s grounded in ethics, inclusion, and action. And maybe most importantly — we paused to ask ourselves: Why do we do this work? That space to reflect honestly, both individually and as a group, stayed with me.” – Merve Mengüllüoğlu, a social worker and participant in the workshop.
Out of over 300 dedicated young people who expressed interest in the workshop, 28 were selected from across the Middle East and North Africa region bringing together a unique mix of youth, local organisations supporting youth leadership in crisis settings, and community leaders committed to strengthening humanitarian action.
The workshop was hosted in Gaziantep and delivered in three languages ensuring an inclusive space for collaboration, and cross-border learning. These meaningful conversations emphasized the urgent need to convene at the heart of where communities are rebuilding and preparing for the future – a need the HLA is primed to fill.
Understanding Youth Leadership in Humanitarian Contexts
Youth are not just future leaders—they are already leading change in crisis-affected communities. Real youth leadership goes beyond participation; it means taking the lead in shaping decisions, driving action, and creating lasting solutions. By supporting youth with the tools, space, and support to lead, we strengthen not just communities—but the future of humanitarian response.
During the workshop, facilitators and participants explored six key steps to strengthen youth leadership in humanitarian response. They are:
1. Engage Youth Early – Reach out where they are: schools, communities, online spaces.
2. Build Skills – Offer training, mentorship, and learning opportunities.
3. Break Barriers – Tackle age bias, lack of resources, and limited access to decision-making.
4. Support Youth-led Action – Let young people co-design and lead projects.
5. Prepare Together – Involve youth in early warning systems and resilience planning.
6. Celebrate & Scale Impact – Recognize success and expand what works.
“…I came here to help my community be strong no matter their story”
Reflecting on her participation, Merve shared:
“For me, this process sparked immediate steps. In the first 48 hours, I’ve already begun putting my commitments into motion — sharing key takeaways with my team, and exploring how we can more intentionally support young people in stepping into leadership roles.”
For one of the participants, the workshop offered more than connection and collaboration, she shared: “When the war started in Syria, I was 12 – I lived in a refugee camp for a few years. My childhood and teenage years were so hard. I had lots of needs, but people didn’t listen, they would give us food and clothes, but they didn’t hear me. I am now 25 and I found a job working as a humanitarian worker.
“I know what it means to have a hard childhood, and I am determined in my role that I can help these children and youth make decisions and provide more for them than just a physical need. I believe that we must use these skills today to go out there and help more youth have a voice. They will not just want to give out food, but they will want to build a community and society where people can have hope. That is why I came here to help my community be strong no matter their story.”
Tasnim Fallaha, a midwife and humanitarian worker who attended the workshop also shared her experience: “What stood out to me was how humanitarian principles were integrated into real-life scenarios, offering a deeper understanding of how to apply them in the field.
Another young female participant from Turkey said: “I’m walking away with a full backpack: filled with new knowledge, meaningful reflections, and inspiring people. From risk mapping and emergency planning to identifying barriers to youth leadership, the content was both thought-provoking and practical.”
Huseyin Arslan, humanitarian expert and workshop co-facilitator said: “This initiative brought together passionate young leaders, equipping them with the skills, mindset, and tools needed to lead with purpose and impact in their communities and beyond – reflecting HLA’s deep commitment to nurturing youth-led change in the response; and continuous investment in youth leadership across the region.”
Deb Barry, co-facilitator of the workshop and designer for the youth leadership work in the MENA region also shared her reflections, saying:
“It’s been great to see this group come together, many of them had never met each other but they trusted each other in that space. Each person showed up with courage, heart, and hope. We didn’t just talk about youth leadership—we lived it, through powerful stories of survival, strength, and service.
“From the young man who shared his journey from a refugee camp to becoming a humanitarian, to the young woman who left with a “backpack full” of knowledge and purpose, this workshop reminded me why youth voices matter. I am so grateful for the honesty, the laughter, learning and the vision they shared. It’s clear: these young leaders are ready—not just to respond to crisis, but to build something better.“
This workshop was enabled by teams across the HLA global team and Save the Children in Türkiye with funding support from the DEC.
The workshop was insightful and enlightening!”
Thank you for the energy, ideas, and inspiration. Thank you for designing such a thoughtful and energizing learning space.”
I’m grateful for the opportunity to learn from incredible trainers whose experience and thoughtful narration added depth to every session.”
