The UCLG-MEWA Annual Staff Retreat was held from 22 to 26 December 2025 at the General Secretariat in Istanbul, Türkiye. The Retreat brought together staff and partners to align priorities, strengthen collaboration, and renew our shared commitment to advancing local governance across the region and beyond.
Key partners—including the Union of Turkish World Municipalities (TDBB), the World Academy for Local Governments and Democracy (WALD), and the Union of Municipalities of Türkiye (UMT)—shared their achievements from 2025 and outlined priorities for the year ahead.
Departmental Highlights
International Relations: Presented UCLG-MEWA’s expanding role in multilateral cooperation and global advocacy, focusing on new partnerships, stronger ties with international organizations, and amplifying local governments’ voices on global platforms.
Research, Development & Projects: Showcased ongoing and upcoming projects, emphasizing evidence-based initiatives, pilot programs, and research-driven frameworks that strengthen governance capacities.
WALD Academic Director Hülya Alper highlighted WALD’s achievements and current projects.
Administrative & Financial Affairs: Stressed the importance of efficient management, coordination, and financial sustainability to reinforce UCLG-MEWA’s resilience.
Hüseyin Can from TDBB shared updates on humanitarian assistance, particularly in Gaza, Palestine.
Communications: Focused on strategic storytelling, consistent messaging, and stronger coordination to amplify local governments’ voices.
Murat Kodaz from UMT presented insights on international engagement and collaboration pathways.
The Retreat was enriched by the participation of Ümit Öztürk, Advisor to the Mayor of Istanbul, in the presence of the UCLG-MEWA Secretary General Dr. Mehmet Duman, whose leadership perspectives added depth to the sessions.
The five-day Retreat concluded with a Multicultural Cuisine Lunch on 26 December, where staff shared delicacies from their diverse cultures, followed by a tour of the Basilica Cistern, marking a memorable close to the week.
