The UCLG-MEWA Innovation and Food Systems Forum, hosted by Selçuklu Municipality under the theme “Leadership, Transformation and Prosperity,” started with an opening ceremony.
The forum brings together 136 local government representatives, experts, and stakeholders from 11 countries to discuss how cities can address food security, economic development, and technological innovation while promoting cooperation and the exchange of best practices.
Selçuklu Mayor Ahmet Pekyatırmacı said he was pleased that Konya was hosting the UCLG-MEWA Innovation and Food Systems Forum, which has attracted 136 participants from 11 countries. He also highlighted the significance of Konya Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Uğur İbrahim Altay—recently elected President of UCLG—holding the organization’s first meeting in Konya following the General Assembly. Pekyatırmacı said the forum offers an important opportunity to promote innovation in cities, strengthen cooperation among local governments, and share successful practices.
Konya Metropolitan Municipality Mayor and UCLG President Uğur İbrahim Altay said cities play a vital role in addressing global challenges such as climate change, food security, and migration. Stressing the need for local governments to strengthen entrepreneurial ecosystems, Altay highlighted the importance of developing sustainable food systems, supporting producers, and advancing digital transformation in agriculture. He added that his goal as UCLG President is to increase the international influence of local governments and said the partnerships established during the forum would help shape the future of cities.
Konya Governor İbrahim Akın described the forum as an important platform for discussing critical issues such as digital transformation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable food systems. He said Konya is one of Türkiye’s leading cities in these fields thanks to its strong agricultural, industrial, and academic infrastructure. Akın also noted that Uğur İbrahim Altay’s election as UCLG President is a significant reflection of Türkiye’s vision for local governance.
The opening ceremony was attended by former Turkish Minister of Food, Agriculture and Livestock Mehmet Mehdi Eker, Konya Metropolitan Municipality Mayor and UCLG President Uğur İbrahim Altay, Konya Governor İbrahim Akın, UCLG-MEWA Secretary General Dr. Mehmet Duman, UCLG-MEWA executives and representatives, local and national government officials, and academics.
Following the opening speeches, participants gathered for a commemorative group photo before the forum continued with its remaining sessions.
