UCLG-MEWA Committee on Smart Cities & Urban Mobility Presidency and Committee Meeting was successfully held via Zoom on January 22, 2026. Organized in collaboration with Gebze Municipality, the meeting kicked off with opening remarks by UCLG-MEWA Secretary General Dr. Mehmet Duman, who emphasized the importance of being part of the committee in the way of smart, inclusive cities, after that, Zinnur Büyükgöz, Mayor of Gebze, and President of UCLG-MEWA Committee on Smart Cities & Urban Mobility, highlighted the need to have collaborations and renewable approaches to be ready for our future cities.
The opening session continued with speeches by Ahmet Cin, Mayor of Pendik, and Dr. İsa Aliç, Head of Projects and International Relations at Aksaray Municipality, and Nabeel Aljariri, Deputy City Manager for Public Works at Greater Amman Municipality.
Mayor Ahmet Cin emphasized that “investing in strong transportation infrastructure and leveraging artificial intelligence are key to building smart cities and enhancing efficient, people-centered urban mobility.”
Dr. İsa Aliç shared insights into digital municipal practices and pedestrianization projects, showcasing local approaches that support more livable, people-centered urban environments.
On the other hand, Nabeel Aljariri highlighted the strategic priorities of the Committee and expressed satisfaction at being elected to the Committee Presidency, reaffirming commitment to collaborative and innovative urban solutions.
Within this framework, Amir Lütfioğlu, Communications Officer of UCLG-MEWA, delivered a summary of the Committee’s 2022–2025 Action Report on Smart Cities and Urban Mobility. Subsequently, Yehia Ibrahim, UCLG-MEWA General Coordinator, presented a snapshot of the 2025–2028 Activity Program.
Furthermore, Esranur Tanrıkulu, Focal Point of the UCLG-MEWA Committee on Smart Cities and Urban Mobility, together with Muhammet Emin Yüksel, Information Technology Officer, provided insights into emerging trends, highlighting the critical role of local governments in SUMPs and the need to build a solid basis for net-zero cities.
During the best practices session, Tümay Aksan, Head of the Information Technology Department at Gebze Municipality, shared the municipality’s e-governance practices. Additionally, Ola Kofawin, Director of the Public Transport Studies and Planning Department at the Greater Amman Municipality, provided a comprehensive overview of Amman’s Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan.
As a wrap-up, all stakeholders and participants engaged in a productive and comprehensive discussion.
