On January 22, 2025, a UCLG-MEWA delegation visited Boğaziçi University to explore potential collaboration opportunities. The delegation met with Assoc. Prof. Ali Coşkun, Director of the Boğaziçi University Financial Applications and Research Center, and Mehmet Gökay Üstün, Director General of the Boğaziçi University Development Foundation. Discussions focused on joint projects, academic partnerships, and the role of local governments in sustainability.
The meeting provided an opportunity to review UCLG-MEWA’s regional and global initiatives while assessing potential partnerships to enhance cooperation among universities, civil society organizations, and local governments. Both sides highlighted the importance of integrating academic expertise with practical experience to strengthen local government capacities, promote best practices, and implement collaborative projects.
Sustainability was a key theme of the discussion, with participants exchanging ideas in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals. UCLG-MEWA delegation included Dr. Ali Murat Duman, General Coordinator; Fatih Gökyıldız, R&D and Projects Coordinator; Bayram Doğan Gülnergiz, Administrative and Financial Affairs Coordinator; and Sedrettin Konuk, Technical Services Officer.