Karatay Mayor Highlights Sustainable Development Efforts at UCLG World Summit

Karatay Mayor Hasan Kılca presented the municipality’s sustainability-driven initiatives to an international audience during the session titled “Localization Means Transformation: Local and Regional Governments Achieving Global Agendas” at the UCLG World Summit in Tangier, Morocco.

In his address, Mayor Kılca said that Karatay Municipality views the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development not merely as an international commitment but as the foundation of its local development and institutional transformation. He noted that all municipal policies, from strategic planning to investment priorities, are shaped in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Kılca emphasized that the municipality’s work on climate action, energy efficiency, digital transformation, social inclusion, and improving quality of life forms a key part of its sustainable urban development strategy. He said these projects represent long-term investments in the future of cities.

He also highlighted the importance of the Voluntary Local Review (VLR) as a roadmap for implementing the Sustainable Development Goals at the local level, noting that it enables the municipality to systematically monitor and evaluate its progress. Kılca added that Karatay Municipality’s contribution to Türkiye’s first Voluntary Subnational Review (VSR) has strengthened the role of local governments in advancing national sustainability policies.

Referring to the municipality’s Sustainable Energy and Climate Action Plan (SECAP), Kılca said Karatay has taken determined steps to combat climate change through solar energy investments, energy efficiency measures, and environmental sustainability projects.

Stressing that local governments are among the key implementers of sustainable development, Kılca said the municipality aims to promote equal opportunities, improve quality of life, and ensure that no one is left behind through investments in education, social support, youth and sports, culture, environmental services, and digital municipal services.

Concluding his speech, Kılca underlined the role of local governments in implementing global agendas, saying, “Global goals come to life at the local level. As our cities transform, so will our world.”

Kılca also welcomed the election of Konya Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Uğur İbrahim Altay as President of United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG) for the 2026–2029 term during the UCLG World Summit. Congratulating Altay, he said Konya was once again a source of pride and wished him success in his new global role.