The current “21st Century Municipalism Local Governments Summit,” organized by the Turkuvaz Media Group, served as a pivotal platform for an in-depth exploration of Türkiye’s native governance construction and the potential initiatives on the horizon.
The summit commenced with opening speeches delivered by Metin Algül, A Haber News coordinator, and Refik Tuzcuoğlu, deputy minister of surroundings, urbanization and local weather change, setting the stage for an interesting discourse. Notably, Minister of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change Mehmet Özhaseki additionally attended the occasion.
In his deal with, Tuzcuoğlu underscored the transformative evolution of urbanism, emphasizing its newfound significance inside society. He articulated: “Urbanism today holds a pivotal and multilayered role in shaping the lives of individuals and communities. What we perceive as a city has evolved into a reflection of civilization.”
Highlighting the pivotal shift within the notion of municipal governance and concrete planning in Türkiye, Tuzcuoğlu pointed to the 1994 native elections because the onset of a big period. He recalled, “This transformation commenced when our president assumed office as the mayor of Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality. It marked the beginning of a period where our cities gradually began to address and resolve long-standing issues.”
Drawing an analogy, he likened this transformation to a stone forged into a peaceful pond, creating ripples that prolonged throughout Anatolian cities and reverberated all through Türkiye, influencing nationwide municipal reforms and progress.
Tuzcuoğlu highlighted the numerous strides made within the transformation of two.2 million impartial models since 2012, noting that whereas 400,000 models stay ongoing, substantial assets totaling TL 480 billion ($16.47 billion) have been allotted to this endeavor. Stressing the urgency of the scenario, he emphasised that out of the 36 million impartial sections, 6 million are in danger, with 2 million necessitating rapid transformation.
Specifically addressing Istanbul, Tuzcuoğlu talked about the profitable completion of 800,000 impartial sections within the metropolis however emphasised the necessity for expeditious progress. He outlined meticulous preparations, together with the institution of an Urban Transformation Directorate, subdivided into three sections, with one solely centered on the Marmara area. He asserted, “Our aim is to cultivate cities that prioritize safety, identity, smart technology, and eco-friendly evolution in this era of Turkish transformation.”
Algül highlighted the impression of globalization, stating that international locations worldwide are influenced by even the slightest alterations. He careworn the essential function of native governments in making certain high quality and environment friendly companies, increasing past conventional municipal features. According to Algül, up to date municipal obligations embody broader societal growth issues, extending to areas corresponding to transportation, city planning, infrastructure growth and group welfare.
Algül affirmed, “Local governments aren’t solely responsible for conventional services but are equally accountable for addressing society’s evolving social needs and challenges.”
In the forthcoming period, municipalities are set to delve extensively into important points corresponding to seismic resilience, city transformation and the important ideas of “resilient cities” and “healthy cities.” Moreover, municipal discourse is poised to focus considerably on local weather change mitigation methods and addressing drought-related issues.
During the “Zero Waste Management in Municipality” panel, moderated by Tahir İnan, distinguished figures together with Üsküdar Mayor Hilmi Türkmen, Tuzla Mayor Şadi Yazıcı and Ümraniye Mayor İsmet Yıldırım shared their insights. Türkmen emphasised the crucial nature of adopting a zero-waste life-style as a necessary aspect of Turkey’s societal ethos.
Noteworthy members contributing to the twenty first Century Municipality Local Governments Summit embody TOKİ, Emlak Konut Gayrimenkul Yatırım Ortaklığı AŞ, Türk Telekom, and Hedef, whereas extra assist and sponsorship have been generously supplied by Bursa Metropolitan Municipality, Erzurum Municipality, Gaziantep Metropolitan Municipality, Konya Metropolitan Municipality, Ordu Metropolitan Municipality, Sakarya Metropolitan Municipality, Şanlıurfa Metropolitan Municipality, Niğde Municipality, Gaziosmanpaşa Municipality, Tuzla Municipality, Ümraniye Municipality, Üsküdar Municipality, and Yunus Emre Municipality.
Source: www.dailysabah.com