This project aimed to increase young people's knowledge, awareness and sense of responsibility in Kırşehir, Nevşehir, Niğde, Aksaray and Kırıkkale — the provinces of Türkiye’s TR71 region — focusing on environmental sustainability, climate change and the European Green Deal. It sought to enable young people not only to become environmentally aware individuals but also active contributors to policy- and decision-making processes, helping to drive social and ecological transformation. The project strengthened youth participation in climate action, enhanced scientific thinking skills and reinterpreted the European Green Deal from a youth perspective. It was built on two main pillars: (i) achieving measurable transformation in young people’s knowledge, awareness, attitudes and behaviours, and (ii) translating this transformation into lasting and visible outcomes. Implemented through a participatory learning model, the project positioned young people as active agents throughout all stages — from idea generation to implementation and dissemination. Comprehensive environmental and climate literacy was developed among participants. Theoretical and practical training was delivered on key European Green Deal components such as green energy, the circular economy, clean transport, energy efficiency, the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, the Fit for 55 package, the New European Bauhaus initiative, biodiversity, the just transition and climate justice. As a result, young people’s environmental attitudes and behaviours improved significantly. Research and analytical skills were also enhanced. Training in research question design, data collection, SWOT and comparative analysis enabled participants to evaluate European best practices in the Turkish context and develop evidence-based policy recommendations. Young people’s engagement in policy development was strengthened through the creation of the Green Deal Youth Strategy and Youth Manifesto, which established them as active stakeholders in environmental governance. The Strategy Document presented concrete recommendations on the youth dimension of the European Green Deal, while the Manifesto reflected young people’s aspirations for participation and just transition. Scientific methods ensured measurability: a pre-test–post-test awareness scale was designed and applied to assess impact. The results confirmed notable progress in participants’ knowledge, awareness and attitudes. To ensure institutional sustainability, a Sustainability Office was established at Kırıkkale University. Acting as the coordination centre during the project, it now continues to promote environmental education and youth engagement as a permanent structure. The project achieved broad and inclusive participation. Seminars at universities in five provinces reached over 1,000 young people, while a core group of 40 participants received in-depth capacity-building through workshops. This two-stage model ensured both wide outreach and deep, lasting impact. Digital and environmentally friendly tools were used throughout. Paper consumption was minimised, and all communication and documentation were managed digitally. Sixty awareness videos created by young participants were published in Turkish and English on the project website (www.genclikstratejisi.org ), YouTube channel and social media accounts, creating an environmentally responsible communication model. The project fully aligned with the European Union Youth Strategy principles of participation, connection and empowerment. It engaged young people from diverse socio-economic and academic backgrounds, fostering inclusion, creativity, responsibility and leadership. Project objectives rested on four key pillars: (1) widespread awareness-raising through seminars at five universities, (2) in-depth capacity building through research training, (3) policy outputs through the Strategy and Manifesto, and (4) institutionalisation via the Sustainability Office. In line with the transformative vision of the European Green Deal and the European Union Youth Strategy, the project demonstrated that youth engagement is essential for a sustainable future. It transformed young people’s knowledge, awareness and leadership potential into tangible results. Ultimately, the project enabled young people to move from passive observers to active contributors who develop evidence-based policy proposals, participate in decision-making processes and drive sustainable transformation. This impact has been consolidated through lasting institutional (Sustainability Office), intellectual (Strategy and Manifesto), pedagogical (research skills) and digital (website and awareness content) dimensions.