Allianz Türkiye, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Türkiye, and Habitat Association have launched the Finance for Future project to increase financial literacy among young people and contribute to both individual and societal well-being by spreading fundamental financial knowledge across society. Designed as a long-term initiative, the Finance for Future project initially aims to reach 10,000 young people in Türkiye. The project was launched at Habitat Station Gaziantep with the participation of Taylan Türkölmez, General Manager of Allianz Türkiye Life and Pension Companies; Miodrag Dragisic, Deputy Resident Representative of UNDP Türkiye; and Bora Caldu, Chair of the Executive Committee of Habitat Association.

As one of the leading companies in Türkiye’s insurance sector, Allianz Türkiye is launching a long-term, inclusive, and multi-layered educational mobilization to enhance financial literacy across society. Through the Finance for Future project, implemented in partnership with UNDP Türkiye and Habitat Association, the goal is to strengthen the financial literacy skills of 10,000 young people nationwide through both in-person and online training. The launch event took place at Station Gaziantep. Taylan Türkölmez, Miodrag Dragisic, and Bora Caldu visited the classroom where trainings are conducted. Özge Özacar, Volunteer Supporter of the UNDP Türkiye Finance for Future Project, was also among the guests at Station Gaziantep.

One in three people worldwide is financially literate

According to Allianz data, only one out of every three adults worldwide is financially literate. The outlook is not much brighter among young people, who increasingly use digital financial services. According to an OECD report, more than two-thirds of 15-year-olds actively use financial products and services; however, 18% of students are classified as having “insufficient” financial literacy skills, meaning they are unable to make even basic financial decisions.

Taylan Türkölmez: “Financial literacy is a macroeconomic priority”

Emphasizing that financial literacy is not only a personal skill but also a macroeconomic priority that helps households overcome economic challenges, supports market stability, and enables inclusive economic growth, Taylan Türkölmez, General Manager of Allianz Türkiye Life and Pension Companies, stated:

“Financial literacy has become a strategic and fundamental life skill that determines the value of financial resources, how they are protected, and their future growth potential. With the Finance for Future project, we aim to strengthen young people’s competencies and create a measurable and lasting impact on individual well-being and economic resilience. Our strong partners on this journey, Habitat Association and UNDP Türkiye, will further strengthen our project by expanding the reach of the designed education model and supporting access to and dissemination of training.”

Miodrag Dragisic: “We are giving young people the tools to imagine and create a better future”

Miodrag Dragisic, Deputy Resident Representative of UNDP Türkiye, said: “Increasingly, development is defined by resilience - the capacity to withstand shocks, adapt to change, and plan for the future with confidence. Financial literacy sits at the core of this understanding to confidently plan the future. Financial literacy empowers young people to make informed choices about their education, manage their often limited resources, and prepare for financial risks as they transition into adulthood. When we invest in financial literacy, we are building confidence, strengthening resilience and giving young people the tools to imagine and create a better future. That is why initiatives like this matter. Because when we invest in people for themselves and a society as a whole, development becomes sustainable and long-lasting.”

Bora Caldu: “We are building a sustainable ecosystem together with young people”

Bora Caldu, Chair of the Executive Committee of Habitat Association, stated: “As Habitat Association, we have been implementing impactful financial literacy initiatives for many years that directly touch young people’s lives. Through the Finance for Future Project, implemented in partnership with Allianz and UNDP, we aim to strengthen access for young people aged 15–24 and young entrepreneurs to financial literacy, risk management, and insurance knowledge. With 31 volunteer trainers selected from all 81 provinces of Türkiye, we have already reached 563 young people in a short period and aim to reach 10,000 within one year. Beyond trainings, we are building a sustainable financial ecosystem co-created with young people through FINHACK, financial coaching programs, and digital tools. I would like to thank all stakeholders, volunteers, and the young participants whose energy adds value to this project.”

Training to be delivered in youth dormitories in Istanbul

Designed as an inclusive, accessible, and simple yet analytically robust initiative, the Finance for Future Project is built on a multi-layered and participatory education model. Initially focusing on young people aged 15–24, the project began with training of trainers held in December 2025. Volunteer trainers educated through this program will collaborate with local administrations and public institutions across all 81 provinces of Türkiye to deliver training to high school and university students in schools and Habitat Association community centers.

In addition to face-to-face sessions, the program will be supported by online training. All training details will be accessible via the Habitat Association website, and participants who complete the program will receive a digital certificate of participation. Within the project, it is also aimed - with the support and coordination of the Provincial Directorate of Youth and Sports - to implement training in all youth dormitories in Istanbul and to expand the model to dormitories in other provinces in the future.

Training content will be progressively deepened for different target groups, including high school students, university students, young professionals entering working life, and young entrepreneurs. Educational materials will also be made digitally available through the Allianz YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/@finanslagelecek/) and the Habitat Association website (https://habitatdernegi.org/surdurulebilirlik/finansla-gelecek/), ensuring accessibility and continuity.