The International Local Governance Training Programme (LOCALINTERNational) has been organised by the Union of Municipalities of Türkiye since 2012 with the aim of promoting local diplomacy and local democracy, sharing Türkiye’s local governance experience, and developing cooperation in this field.
With a wide range of participants from Europe, Africa, Asia, the Middle East and South America, the programme provides an international training opportunity for final-year or newly graduated students in fields related to local governance such as Law, Economics, Urban and Regional Planning, Sociology, Media and Communication, Political Science and Public Administration, and International Relations. Applicants undergo a detailed screening and evaluation process based on criteria such as grade point average and level of English, in addition to the motivation letters they prepare.
In the programme, accommodation and transport expenses, as well as all programme-related needs (excluding visa fees), are covered by the Union of Municipalities of Türkiye. Alongside theoretical training, field visits and socio-cultural activities are organised for the future local leaders, and at the end of the programme a certificate of participation is awarded.
The programme covers topics such as the Turkish local government system, the fundamental principles of local governance, global and regional organisations, local democracy and sister city relations. In addition, the most important issues and thematic content on the international agenda of local governments also form part of the programme.
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