UCLG-MEWA Meeting Held in Karatay

Karatay Municipality hosted the 2-day Executive Board Meeting of the United Cities and Local Governments Middle East and West Asia Region (UCLG-MEWA).

During the Executive Board meeting, UCLG-MEWA also organized a series of thematic sessions.

The meeting included the UNESCO Creative Cities Network Meeting, the UCLG-MEWA Executive Board Meeting, and sessions on the Role of Local Governments in Cultural Heritage Conservation, Cultural Heritage and Sustainable Development: Economic Opportunities and Challenges, Climate Change and Its Impact on Cities, and GCoM-Gap Fund Information Sessions.

During the UNESCO Creative Cities Network Session, cities listed as Heritage Cities had the opportunity to share their experiences on this journey, while local governments, experts, and managers had the chance to listen to and learn comprehensively about these monuments in the MEWA Region.

During the panel discussion on culture and heritage, the importance of culture and heritage was emphasized, focusing on the sustainability of cultural and heritage conservation by local governments and discussing in detail how these should be passed on to future generations.

The panel organized by the UCLG-MEWA Culture and Tourism Committee brought together member municipalities and senior figures to discuss policies focusing on the multifaceted impacts of culture and heritage on cities. The session aimed to share examples of implementation and innovative solutions in addressing these issues.

The panel led by the UCLG-MEWA Environment Committee focused on municipal mayors and key stakeholders analyzing the multifaceted impacts of climate change on cities.

The final session focused on showcasing best practices of the SECAP (Sustainable Energy and Climate Action Plan) across the region, highlighting its vital role in empowering local communities to take action against climate change and transition towards a more sustainable energy future. It also covered the operational mechanisms of the GAP Fund, a significant actor in urban climate finance.