Mayor Altay Attends 4th International Migration Conference

Konya Metropolitan Mayor Uğur İbrahim Altay attended the “4th International Migration Conference” held in Ankara.

The 4th International Migration Conference, held at the Police Academy’s Gölbaşı Campus with the theme “Migration and Family,” began with an opening speech delivered by Minister of Family and Social Services Mahinur Özdemir Göktaş.

Recalling that he has taken part in many international meetings due to his global responsibilities, Mayor Altay stated that migration and climate change are also key issues on the agendas of municipalities around the world.

Speaking about the integration of Afghan, Syrian, and Palestinian migrants in Konya, as well as citizens who arrived from the earthquake-affected region, Mayor Altay said:

“What are we doing to support the integration of our guests? The biggest challenge is language. The fact that many newcomers initially do not speak Turkish at all has created serious difficulties. We began offering language guidance to help them access municipal services. To obtain public services such as electricity, water, and phone lines, communication is essential. Therefore, our priority is to ensure that children start school as quickly as possible. When a child attends school, it provides significant support for the integration of the entire family. After that, it becomes necessary to focus on vocational training. If they cannot find employment related to their previous professions, we must help them gain new skills.”

Emphasizing that Türkiye’s stance on migration and refugees, highlighted during the international meetings they attend, has significantly strengthened the country’s global reputation, Mayor Altay said:

“Perhaps we have faced challenges and difficulties, but at this point, I would like to once again state that we have achieved great humanitarian gains, as well as significant progress on behalf of our state and nation. I also find it very valuable that a local administrator—who represents one of the institutions most affected by migration—takes part here as a speaker.”

He concluded his remarks with these words.