Konya mayor: WUF13 being held timely amid global governance challenges

The 13th Session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) in Baku is taking place at a critical moment when global governance faces serious challenges for cities and regions, Uğur İbrahim Altay, Mayor of Konya, Türkiye, said during the World Assembly of Local and Regional Governments within WUF13, according to Report.

He noted that local and regional administrations across different countries are striving to meet communities' daily needs in areas such as human rights protection, affordable housing, migration, climate justice, and social solidarity.

"Local governments highlight equality and human dignity through public services as one of the main directions of state policy. Today's event is significant for advancing the principles of local multilateralism," he said.

Altay stressed the importance of forming a shared political will to strengthen multilateral cooperation in a period of global challenges: "The international movement of local and regional governments is at the forefront of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. As we approach the 2030 targets, initiatives carried out in cooperation with the UN are being accelerated at the local level. At the same time, concrete and investment‑ready projects prepared under local political leadership are being promoted. Housing provision is one of the key components of social welfare, equality, and sustainable development."

He also touched upon preparations for COP31, to be held in Antalya this November, emphasizing that climate commitments must be translated into place‑based projects and applications:

"Local and regional administrations are already playing a leading role in adaptation, resilience, sustainable mobility, and the creation of inclusive urban communities."