The Executive Bureau of United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG) convened in Mexico City on April 8-10, 2026, bringing together local and regional leaders from across the world to advance the collective agenda of cities and territories. The meeting provided a key platform to address pressing global challenges and reinforce the role of local governments in shaping inclusive and sustainable futures.
The MEWA delegation, composed of UCLG Executive President and Mayor of Konya, Uğur İbrahim Altay, UCLG Vice President for MEWA and Mayor of Balıkesir Ahmet Akın, UCLG-MEWA Secretary General Dr. Mehmet Duman, and UCLG-MEWA General Coordinator Yehia Ibrahim, actively contributed to the proceedings.
The Meeting’s business session focused on strategic priorities for the organization, including strengthening global advocacy, enhancing multilevel governance, and advancing initiatives that promote solidarity and cooperation among members. Uğur İbrahim Altay underlined the importance of collective initiatives, such as the “100 Days of Multiculturalism” campaign, to amplify the global visibility and unity of local and regional governments.
UCLG-MEWA Secretary General Dr. Mehmet Duman, on the margins of the meeting, was involved in several engagements, including with the Secretaries General of FLACMA, UCLG-EURASIA, and UCLG-ASPAC.
Furthermore, Dr. Mehmet Duman, along with Ahmet Akın, came together with Mayor of Mexico City, Clara Brugada, to discuss cooperation, sister-city relations, and urban diplomacy for culture and peace.
A central highlight of the Executive Bureau meeting was the policy debate on care as a lever for a new generation of public service provision. The discussion emphasized the need for public services to evolve in response to growing inequalities and social challenges, positioning care as a comprehensive governance approach rooted in inclusion, dignity, and solidarity. Participants also stressed the importance of equipping local governments with adequate resources, institutional capacity, and collaborative frameworks to effectively deliver on this vision.
During the debate, Ahmet Akın contributed by highlighting the broader role of care policies in reducing inequalities and supporting fairer societies. His intervention reflected the MEWA region’s commitment to advancing people-centered approaches in local governance.
Throughout the meeting, the strong engagement of MEWA Region reaffirmed the region’s active role within the global network. The participation of MEWA leadership contributed to shaping discussions and ensuring that regional perspectives remain integral to UCLG’s collective priorities.
