Hope-filled event in Birgi: SENTRUM youth volunteer gathering held

The historic village of Birgi, located in the Ödemiş district of Izmir, hosted an inspiring event that set an example for sustainable tourism, powered by the enthusiasm of young volunteers. Within the SENTRUM (Sustainable Energy-Based Tourism Implementation Center) Project, more than 250 high school and university students came together for the “Youth Volunteer Gathering”, participating in activities that contributed to nature, culture, and the local community.

Included in the UN World Tourism Organization’s “Best Tourism Villages of 2022” list and recognized as one of the leading destinations for sustainable tourism, Birgi hosted the “Youth Volunteer Gathering”, organized in collaboration with Enerjisa Enerji, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Türkiye, and the Türkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (TGA). The event featured various activities through which young participants contributed to the environment and society.

Attending the gathering were Enerjisa Enerji CEO Murat Pınar, UNDP Türkiye Deputy Resident Representative Miodrag Dragisic, Ödemiş District Governor Hakan Yavuz Erdoğan, İzmir Provincial Director of Culture and Tourism Sadık Doğruer, Ödemiş Deputy Mayor M. Cumhur Şener, and TGA Aegean Region Coordinator and Destination Manager Elif Köseoğlu, along with a large number of young volunteers.

As part of the project, more than 250 young people aged 16 to 22, including high school and university students, came together with Enerjisa volunteers and the people of Birgi under the auspices of the SENTRUM Project. Together, they took part in a series of activities designed to create value for nature, heritage, and the community.

During the gathering, young volunteers contributed to the environment and society through activities such as tree planting, environmental clean-up, a bicycle-building workshop for children in need, and painting school walls and children’s playgrounds. Taking place amid Birgi’s historic streets and natural beauty, these efforts showcased the spirit of solidarity and volunteerism among the youth. Through their participation, the young volunteers not only enhanced their social responsibility skills but also made a lasting mark on Birgi’s history.

Pınar: “The transformation of the future is shaped by the hands of youth”

Dragisic: “Speaking at the Youth Volunteer Gathering, Enerjisa Enerji CEO Murat Pınar said: “As Enerjisa Enerji, we strengthen our ‘A Better Future’ vision not only through energy investments but also through sustainability projects that reach every segment of society. Today’s Youth Volunteer Gathering marks another meaningful milestone in this journey. The invaluable efforts and boundless energy of our young volunteers have added immense value to Birgi’s nature and heritage, becoming one of the most important achievements we have built together. Through this work, we have seen that we are not only developing a sustainable tourism model, but also expanding social benefit by nurturing the spirit of volunteerism. It is a great source of pride for us to see the seed we planted earlier with our SENTRUM Project in Küçükköy, Ayvalık, now taking root and flourishing in Birgi, thanks to the dedication of our volunteers. At Enerjisa Enerji, with every step we take alongside volunteers, we continue transforming not only today but also our future. We know that the transformation of the future is shaped by the hands of youth.”

Dragisic: “Real change begins with people - especially young people who lead with purpose”

UNDP Türkiye Deputy Resident Representative Miodrag Dragisic said, “At UNDP, we know that real change begins with people - especially young people who lead with purpose. Today in Birgi, we saw how volunteers contribute to protecting the environment, supporting communities, and preserving cultural heritage - showing what sustainable tourism looks like in practice. Through the SENTRUM initiative, and thanks to our strong partnership with Enerjisa, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, TGA, and local authorities, Birgi is becoming an inspiring example of sustainable tourism.”