B40 summit: İstanbul mayor says EU's pluralist model 'ideal for all of us'
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The B40 Balkan Mayors Summit, which brings together mayors of 24 cities from 11 countries, started today (November 29) at the İstanbul Congress Center.
Giving a speech at the summit, İstanbul Metropolitan Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu said, "For years, the word 'Balkanization' has been used to describe ethnic divisions, border disputes and conflicts. Nevertheless, we are here today to make a fresh start for our region. We have met for stronger cooperation and to build a better future together.
"Vital issues we face as local governments, such as environmental and climate problems, the refugee crisis, energy management and the aspirations of a progressive democracy are global topics that transcend local borders.
"... Within this framework, we are taking the first step towards developing the B40 Balkan Cities Network together with you."
The goal of the network is to create better cooperation between local governments and contribute to regional development, said the mayor.
"Just as it is a simple fact that the sun rises from the east, it is also obvious that Europe started from İstanbul and the Balkans.
"The multinational, multi-identity and pluralistic democracy model represented by the European Union is an ideal for all of us. Human rights, the rule of law, the culture of consensus and freedoms are a common goal for millions of people who live in our cities. These common goals are the foundation of the B40 network."
B40 Balkan Cities NetworkLocal governments' declaration: Being aware of the potential that sustainable development and peace present for the cities in our region, With a shared vision for a European future, Aspiring to establish a fruitful cooperation in areas of common interest, Knowing that climate change and other global challenges we face requires working together towards common solutions at local, regional and global level, Recognizing that good governance requires a resilient, democratic, transparent, and inclusive local governance, based on data, science and shared wisdom for future cities, Emphasizing the critical importance of the localization of the New Urban Agenda and other international agreements and plans, particularly the Sustainable Development Goals, Under the framework of the B40 – Balkan Cities Network, established at the Istanbul Summit, in line with the abovementioned common values, we declare to; Work together through this Network to strengthen the dialogue among our cities, Cooperate in the fields of economy, culture, innovation, sustainability, and solidarity. Develop new areas of cooperation focusing on reversing the effects of the climate change, and strengthening local democracy and good neighborly relations in our region, Evaluate the difficulties encountered at the local and regional levels within the framework of reciprocity and dialogue in common platforms by sharing solutions and good practices with the parties, Contribute to the recommendation development processes for decision makers at all levels, Assist in the planning of the Network meetings and the specification of the meeting agendas in line with the annual priorities to be determined by the Network members and participating in the meetings with Mayors and technical personnel, Host and participate in the Network meetings, Encourage participation of local communities through participatory activities. Provide support to the Network Secretariat. |
(EMK/VK)