UCLG-MEWA took part in UCLG World Council that took place in the Hague, Holland between October 8-10, 2024. Organized with the theme “A New Peace Agenda for Future Generations,” the event witnessed policy debates and administrative meetings on building resilient economies, future of local governments, peace learning and developing dialogue.
UCLG-MEWA delegation attended all the administrative and statutory meetings held within the scope of the event. Uğur İbrahim Altay, Mayor of Konya and UCLG Term President for 2023-2024, Issa Kassis, Mayor of Ramallah and UCLG-MEWA representatives contributed to various sessions as speakers.
UCLG-MEWA Secretary General Dr. Mehmet Duman made a crucial speech drawing attention to the role of local governments in ensuring global peace and solidarity. With a specific stress on the role of local governments in building resilient economies, UCLG-MEWA promoted its efforts made within this scope.
Upon the loss of thousands of lives due to the ongoing humanitarian crisis, Uğur İbrahim Altay invited global community to ensure peace in Palestine and take action. Underlying UCLG’s commitment to global peace, Altay drew attention to the critical role of LRGs in this process. In addition, Altay handed over UCLG presidency to Jan van Zanen, Mayor of The Hague. This handover ceremony became a meaningful step symbolizing UCLG’s mission to contribute to the local and global peace.
At the policy debates attended by Issa Kassis, Mayor of Ramallah, key tendencies that shape the future of local governments were addressed. Kassis shared a rich perspective on the challenges faced by local governments and solution proposals.
Speaking at UCLG World Council, Abdallah Anati, Executive Director of the Association of Palestinian Local Authorities (APLA), drew attention to the restrictions imposed by the occupation. “We are not just a number, we exist and we will continue to exist,” Anati said, calling on The Hague to recognize Palestinian people and their voice.
At the closing of the event, important decisions were taken at the session held under the title “A New Peace Agenda for Future Generations”. UCLG-MEWA’s active participation in this process contributed greatly to a more effective representation of local governments in the region in the international arena.
In addition, Selçuk Ünal, the Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye in The Kingdom of the Netherlands, welcomed a delegation of mayors from the MEWA Region led by UCLG-MEWA Secretary General Dr. Mehmet Duman and Mayor of Konya & UCLG President Uğur İbrahim Altay. This meeting provided an important opportunity for local governments in the MEWA Region to strengthen their cooperation in the international arena.