The LOCALINTERNational 2025 Training Programme, organized by the Union of Municipalities of Türkiye (UMT), has concluded. Since its inception in 2012, this year’s program welcomed 20 students from 16 different countries.
With the theme “Participatory Youth: The Floor is Ours.” the program aimed to introduce young participants to Türkiye’s local governance system and strengthen international cooperation. It provided students with the opportunity to closely observe Türkiye’s municipal structures, engage in cultural exchange, and build international collaboration networks.
First Visit to Anıtkabir
The program began with an opening ceremony at the UMT headquarters, attended by UMT Secretary General Suat Yıldız. Following the ceremony, participants made their first visit to Anıtkabir.
Meeting with Mayor Erdal Beşikçioğlu
On the second day, students visited Mayor of Etimesgut Municipality Erdal Beşikçioğlu. Sharing his journey from artist to mayor, Beşikçioğlu presented the municipality’s youth-oriented projects. Participants gained comprehensive insights into the functioning of local governments.
Visits to Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Environment
To deepen their understanding of Türkiye’s local governance system, students visited the Directorate for EU Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Presidency for Turks Abroad and Related Communities. UMT Deputy Secretary General Dr. Şengül Altan Arslan also attended these meetings.
The program also included a visit to the Directorate General of Local Authorities at the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change.
Mayor Ünlüce Welcomes Young Participants
On the third day, the group traveled to Eskişehir, where they learned about youth-focused initiatives from Mayor of Eskişehir Metropolitan Municipality Ayşe Ünlüce. UMT Secretary General Suat Yıldız and Deputy Secretary General Dr. Şengül Altan Arslan also joined the visit.
Yıldız highlighted successful projects aimed at enhancing youth well-being and maximizing urban benefits, noting that UMT is preparing an international initiative focused on youth. Arslan emphasized Eskişehir’s exemplary status in municipal youth engagement.
Participants explored iconic sites in Eskişehir, including Art Street, the Bath Museum, and the Fairy Tale Castle.
Dedetaş Shares Youth Projects
As part of the Youth Participation Program, students visited Mayor of Üsküdar Municipality Sinem Dedetaş and learned about the municipality’s youth-centered projects. Dedetaş emphasized the importance of this year’s theme and answered questions about local governance. Participants also joined the Youth Participation in Local Governments Workshop, where they shared their ideas.
The program included visits to the Marmara Municipalities Union and UMT’s Strategic Research Center in Eyüpsultan, where students received information about ongoing initiatives.
Program Concludes with Gala
The final day of LOCALINTERNational 2025 featured a cultural tour of Istanbul. Participants explored the historical richness of the city by visiting Topkapı Palace, Sultanahmet, and Hagia Sophia Mosque.
After a week of immersive learning about Türkiye’s local governance, the 20 students bid farewell to the program with a gala dinner on the Bosphorus.
Certificates were presented to the participants by UMT Deputy Secretary General Dr. Şengül Altan Arslan.