United Cities and Local Governments World Organization (UCLG) President and Konya Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Uğur İbrahim Altay addressed Latin American municipalities at the UCLG Latin America Regional Organization (FLACMA) Board of Directors Meeting.
Speaking at the meeting attended by mayors from FLACMA member countries and many local and regional representatives in Costa Rica, Mayor Altay emphasized that the unity of the municipal movement is more important than ever at a time when the world is going through such a complex period.
Emphasizing the need to unite for democracy, for social harmony, for justice that leaves no one and no place behind, President Altay said, “We must ensure that the foundations of international law, which we have worked hard to build, are respected and continue to strengthen the spirit of solidarity and partnerships that bind us to each other. We know that FLACMA will be at the forefront of our organization, engaging its members and bringing their vision and values to our collective agenda. "The recently held water consultation is an example of this, and the discussions to be held in this board of directors will be vital in strengthening our position around the world."
“COOPERATION AND EXPERIENCE SHARING WILL ENABLE US TO ACHIEVE THE COMMON GOALS THAT BRING US TOGETHER”
Reminding that he attended the meeting not only as the President of UCLG, but also as the President of the Union of Turkish World Municipalities (TDBB), which has nearly 30 member municipalities from 1.200 different countries, Mayor Altay continued his speech with the following words:
“Today, we are here as representatives of different cultures and societies, beyond geographical borders. Although FLACMA and TDBB operate in different geographies, local issues mostly move on the same plane in the globalizing world. Even though the possibilities and limits change, the only need of local governments is to build a fairer and more sustainable city. In this context, it is possible to improve the relations between our organizations on the basis of mutual cooperation and experience sharing. Issues such as population growth, urbanization, climate change and social inequalities affect everyone not only in a certain geography but on a global level. However, we have great potential to overcome these challenges. In order to activate this potential, we must strengthen the relations between organizations such as FLACMA and TDBB. Mutual cooperation and sharing of experience will enable us to achieve the common goals that bring us together. Therefore, we should see this meeting as a beginning and cooperate more closely with each other. “By acting together, we can realize our vision of building fairer and more sustainable cities.”
“WE ARE STARTING THE NEW TERM WITH GREAT EXCITEMENT”
Addressing FLACMA members at the end of his speech, President Altay said, “Do not forget that you are part of a world organization that stands by you to achieve a more just, more loving and peaceful world. FLACMA's role as the Regional Organization General Secretariat is vital. I thank Johnny Araya, who will hand over the mayoralty of San Jose on May 20, 1, for his work and dedication to the organization over the past 2024 years since UCLG's founding. We are starting this new era with great excitement. We express our full support to the new president Kelvin Cruz, who will take office, and want him to know that we express our solidarity with him. I want you to know that you can rely on your world organization to ensure that your Board's output reaches the world. He concluded his speech with the following words: "I invite you to contribute to our common agenda and shape the life and future in cities."
