The UCLG World Council, organized by the United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG), also known as the World Organization of United Cities and Local Governments, began in Konya, hosted by the Konya Metropolitan Municipality.
The first day of the UCLG World Council at the Selçuklu Congress Center began with the CEMR Regional Organization meeting. Following that, there were discussions on the topics of "Policy Debate: Urban Rights: Reclaiming the Commons" and "Policy Debate: Opportunities for All: Rethinking Finance and the Economy." The President of the United Cities and Local Governments and Mayor of Konya, Uğur İbrahim Altay, addressed the guests from 50 countries during the opening speech of the session on "Policy Debate: Urban Rights: Reclaiming the Commons."
President Altay expressed his satisfaction at hosting the UCLG World Council in Konya, saying, "I am particularly pleased to see our community of local and regional governments gathered here, ready to change the world together, despite many challenging circumstances. We are at a critical moment to renew our policy priorities and advance our strategy to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. I hope that we will experience significant progress in this regard as well."
President Altay noted that the spirit of tolerance, diversity, and coexistence is deeply ingrained in the fabric of Konya. He said, "I hope you will feel the spirit of unity that will continue today and throughout the week. As our World Council begins, I invite you to fully experience our city. I am sure that, as you will experience, Konya has a unique spiritual atmosphere and warmth that is unmatched by any other city. I wholeheartedly believe that the traditions, vitality, and hospitality of our city will leave a lasting impression on you. Additionally, I recommend experiencing Turkey's first mass-produced electric car, Togg, and our electric domestic bus just outside the venue in the parking area."
The UCLG World Council, attended by nearly 400 representatives of local and regional governments from around the world and guests from all seven continents, will host the UCLG Executive Bureau and UCLG World Council meetings on Friday, October 27. President Altay will officially assume the presidency of UCLG during the World Council meeting.
