The elected representatives of the 3rd Forum of Local and Regional Authorities Commit to democratic governance in the Mediterranean 5.04.2013

The City of Marseille and the Region Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur hosted on 3-4 April 2013 in Marseille 400 local elected officials and practitioners from 24 countries of the Mediterranean basin during the 3rd Forum of Local and Regional Authorities of the Mediterranean. The delegation from Turkey consisted of Mr. Mehmet Duman, Secretary General of UCLG-MEWA; Mr. Lütfü Savaş, Mayor of Antakya; Mr. Hasan Ünver, Mayor of Nevşehir; Mr.Tansel Kaya, Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Councellor; and Mr. Hayrettin Güngor, Secretary General of the Union of Municipalities of Turkey.

Following two days of discussions, the meeting has allowed the formal creation of the Political Council of the Mediterranean Commission.

“The 3^rd Forum of Local and Regional Authorities of the Mediterranean needs to be the opportunity to identify priorities, to formulate joint proposals and to furthers foster Mediterranean cooperation, peace and solidarity. We need to create inclusive decision making processes to respond to the demands of our citizens” emphasized Mr. Kadir Topbas, President of UCLG and Mayor of Istanbul, in its message delivered in the official opening by Mr. Mehmet Duman, Secretary General of UCLG-MEWA.

Mr. Mohamed Boudra, President of the Regional Council Taza - Al Hoceima - Taounate (Morocco) and the newly elected President of the Political Council of the Mediterranean Commission of UCLG indicated that “The Political Council of the Mediterranean Commission of UCLG is essential to keep an open and permanent dialogue between the cities and regions of the Mediterranean basin and to deal with challenges”

During the meeting of the Political Council of the Mediterranean Commission,Mr. Lütfü Savas, Mayor of Antakya (Turkey), Mr. Nader Ghazal, Mayor of Tripoli and President of the Urban Community of AlFayhaa (Lebanon), and Mr.Ghassan Shakaa, Mayor of Nablus (Palestine) were elected as Vice-Presidents of the Political Council.

Mr. Lütfü Savaş, Mayor of Antakya in Turkey, stated that the Mediterranean Basin has experienced profound changes with the Arab Spring. The Syrian crisis has a huge impact on the internal politics of neighboring countries.

Syrian tragedy is beginning to have a destabilizing effect on a number of countries in the region that host large numbers of refugees. All participants underlined their deep anxiety about the situation in Syria and the concern in terms of human life. They called the international community to do everything possible in its power to end the Syrian tragedy.

Mr. Hasan Ünver, Mayor of Nevşehir in Turkey emphasized the importance of communication between local authorities, and pointed out that they must work together to be stronger and take advantage of communication networks placed at their disposal.

Mr. Tansel Kaya, Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Councellor presented the system of decentralization in Turkey and the experience of the.ISMEK Center putting emphasis on young women’s acces into the labor market.

The key messages of the Final Declaration are directed at Heads of States and Governments, as well as international donors, Parliamentarians and civil society.

The participants called for “the revision of the Millennium Development Goals and the definition of Sustainable Development Goals to be the occasion to set up a specific focus for the Mediterranean, with adequate resources for the social, economic and environmental challenges ahead.”