This online meeting took place on April 27, 2020. It was an opportunity to share visions and insights in solving regional issues, especially the ones regarding COVID-19 pandemic. The meeting Started with Mr. Ali Erfan introducing a brief of their efforts in the fight against COVID-19, by drawing on the socio-economic impact. He also mentioned six priorities of engagement in the global level including unprivileged areas and refugee camps, through long-term recovery, awareness and data portal. He called for the importance of accelerating the regional response to the crisis by focusing on the global appeal.
Mehmet Duman, Secretary General of UCLG-MEWA, started with highlighting the importance of cooperation between international organizations, particularly in improving the regional response to the crisis. He provided information about the Live Learning Experience as a way to carry out fair service delivery and promote human rights. He also assured UCLG attempts and efforts to support the most vulnerable people and communities. He emphasized on how Turkish authorities are imposing strict measures as a way to contain the spread of Corona virus by focusing on the measures taken by municipalities in Mersin, Balikisir and Konya. As for Lebanon, he shed lights on Union of Dannieh Municipalities and their protection measures taken regarding COVID-19.
At the end of the meeting, both parties agreed to schedule a thematic online session as a part of Live Peer-Learning Experience during the second or third week of May. The meetings will be held (possibly) every two weeks to discuss regional best practices, and the measures taken to fight against COVID-19. These meetings will be conducted in three languages; Turkish, English and Arabic. English < > Arabic interpretation will be provided by ROAS, while Turkish < > English / Arabic interpretation will be provided by the UCLG-MEWA Secretariat.