Ahmet Aras Explained Sustainable Cities at the UCLG-MEWA General Assembly

Muğla Metropolitan Municipality Mayor and UCLG-MEWA Culture and Tourism Committee Chairman Ahmet Aras continues his engagements within the World Congress of United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG) held in Tangier, Morocco. At the UCLG-MEWA General Assembly held on Wednesday, June 24, Mayor Aras participated in sessions addressing the common priorities of regional local governments.

Topics such as multi-level governance, sustainable local financing, climate resilience, climate justice, human mobility, and the role of local governments in global decision-making processes were discussed at the General Assembly. Additionally, the UCLG-MEWA Position Paper was presented to the global UCLG network and there was an exchange of views on regional priorities to be conveyed to the World Congress.

Mayor Aras: “Culture and Tourism Are One of the Fundamental Elements of Local Development”

As the Chairman of the UCLG-MEWA Culture and Tourism Committee, Mayor Ahmet Aras emphasized that culture and tourism are among the most important dynamics of local development. Aras highlighted the importance of approaches that protect the cultural heritage of cities, sustainably evaluate tourism potential, and strengthen local values through international collaborations.

Mayor Aras stated that the Muğla Metropolitan Municipality evaluates international collaborations not only to establish global relations but also to provide solutions to local needs, increase experience sharing between cities, and develop joint projects. He expressed that the understanding of multi-level governance holds great importance for the future of local governments.

International Cooperation Contacts Continue

Mayor Ahmet Aras also met with many international local government representatives during the World Congress. He had discussions with UCLG Secretary-General Emilia Saiz Carrancedo, Tangier Mayor Mounir Laymouri, Deputy President of Barcelona Metropolitan Area (AMB) and Acting Secretary-General of MedCities Jordi Castellana i Gamisans, Utrecht Mayor Sharon Dijksma, MedCities Vice President Clare Hart, and other local government representatives from various countries.

The discussions covered potential collaborations between local governments, experience sharing between cities, joint work in the fields of culture and tourism, and sustainable city policies.

Mayor Ahmet Aras stated that, in line with the "World City Muğla" vision, they will continue to enhance Muğla's influence in international local government networks and represent the city on international platforms.