UCLG-MEWA held its Executive Bureau Meeting on June 26-27, 2024, hosted by Karatay Municipality, with the theme of Harmony in Action: Local Impact. In addition to the Executive Bureau meeting, where administrative decisions were taken, the program also offered thematic sessions held with a focus on climate change, the financial and heritage dimensions of culture, and international funds.
Opening Speeches
UCLG-MEWA Secretary General Dr. Mehmet Duman stated in his opening address that the meeting held in Karatay will contribute to strengthening local governments and making cities more sustainable and livable.
Dr. Mehmet Duman stated, “We are celebrating the 20th anniversary of the UCLG World Organization and UCLG-MEWA this year. UCLG-MEWA’s two decades of work strengthening local governments across the MEWA Region are a source of great motivation and pride for us. Reflecting on our past successes inspires us to set ambitious future goals. The various declarations and initiatives of UCLG and UCLG-MEWA play a crucial role in helping local governments embrace sustainability and participatory principles.”
Mayor of Karatay, Hasan Kılca, highlighted the rich cultural heritage of Karatay, “We are restoring and preserving the traditional buildings we have inherited in the heart of our city. In this effort, we present the Obruk Caravanserai, an 800-year-old Seljuk heritage site, as a museum and hotel for our citizens. Another remarkable site in our historic district of Karatay, which brims with new excitement, historical secrets, and landmarks at every corner, is the Ancient City of Savatra. We have uncovered a significant portion of the ancient city, including the theater area and its mosaics. We continue to protect the treasures of our ancient Karatay and carry our traditional structures, which are our heritage, into the future,” he said.
Tayseer Abu Sneineh, Mayor of Al-Khalil and UCLG-MEWA President, expressed his gratitude, saying, “I extend my heartfelt thanks to all of you in Türkiye for your support following the events of October 7. Although we wish to host such gatherings in our country, the present situation makes this impossible. We cannot even convene with our mayors within Palestine. Instead, we meet here in Türkiye. We deeply appreciate your hospitality.” He then thanked UCLG-MEWA and Karatay Municipality for organizing the event.
Uğur İbrahim Altay, Mayor of Konya and UCLG President, emphasized that local-level actions can address global challenges. He thanked Hasan Kılca, Mayor of Karatay, for hosting the event. Altay concluded his remarks by saying, “Through our collaborative efforts on all matters discussed at this meeting, we have taken crucial steps to enhance the authority and impact of local governments.” I sincerely thank Hasan Kılca, Mayor of Karatay, and his team for their active involvement in UCLG-MEWA and international affairs and for hosting us in this magnificent venue.
Governor of Konya, Vahdettin Özkan, remarked, “The challenges facing humanity and our planet are evident. Scientific research addresses conflict, oppression, climate change, energy crises, and poverty eradication. Municipalities have a vital role in guiding and spearheading these scientific accomplishments.” It should be a fundamental principle for all of humanity to ensure that people live in more prosperous conditions, with mechanisms like clean energy and sustainable transportation in place. I congratulate UCLG and all its members for your contributions to the legal security of human rights.
Thematic Sessions
A series of thematic sessions were also held within the scope of the UCLG-MEWA Executive Bureau. Along with the UCLG-MEWA Executive Bureau Meeting, UNESCO Heritage Cities Network Meeting, The Role of Local Governments in the Conservation of Cultural Heritage, Cultural Heritage and Sustainable Development: Economic Opportunities and Challenges, Climate Change and its Impact on Cities and (GCoM)-Gap Fund Interactive Sessions also featured at the event.
At the UNESCO Heritage Cities Network Session, local leaders from cities on the UNESCO Heritage List shared their experiences and insights. They provided comprehensive presentations on heritage conservation efforts and best practices implemented across the MEWA Region.
During the panel focusing on culture and heritage, participants engaged in in-depth discussions about local governments’ sustainability initiatives in these areas. The dialogue emphasized preserving cultural and heritage values for future generations.
The UCLG-MEWA Committee on Culture and Tourism convened a panel that united member municipalities and prominent figures. Participants presented practical case studies and innovative approaches while also elucidating policies that address the complex influences of culture and heritage on urban environments.
During the panel organized by the UCLG-MEWA Committee on Environment, mayors and key stakeholders examined the diverse impacts of climate change on urban areas.
The discussion highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts to enhance climate resilience and promote sustainable urban development.
The last thematic sessions explored two key topics: the operations of the Gap Fund, a significant player in urban climate finance, and the successful implementation of Sustainable Energy and Climate Action Plans (SECAP) in the region. These discussions highlighted strategies for empowering local communities to combat climate change and transition towards a more sustainable energy future.