The protocol signing ceremony for the 7th National Local Governments Symposium, to be organized this year through the collaboration of the Union of Municipalities of Türkiye (TBB), Ankara University Faculty of Political Sciences, and Ankara University Ernst Reuter Housing and Urban Planning Application and Research Center, was held at the TBB service building.
The symposium, titled “Democratic and Social Municipal Work,” will take place in Ankara from December 10 to 12. The protocol was signed by TBB Secretary General Suat Yıldız and Prof. Dr. Orhan Çelik, Dean of Ankara University Faculty of Political Sciences.
Highlighting the importance of holding the symposium during a period when regulations related to local governments are on the agenda, TBB Secretary General Suat Yıldız stated, “The fact that this symposium coincides with a time when the concepts of democracy and autonomy concerning local governments are highly debated makes it even more interesting on Türkiye’s agenda.”
Recalling the contribution of the Faculty of Political Sciences to studies on local governments in Türkiye, Yıldız said, “We are very pleased that our faculty is partnering with us on this matter, combining its knowledge, accumulation, and experience with our expertise in the field of local governments.”
Yıldız added, “I hope that our Faculty of Political Sciences will open the way to once again bring the academic knowledge accumulation of the Union of Municipalities of Türkiye to the forefront of Türkiye. I hope this symposium will be the beginning of our future work, and that we will achieve great projects together.”
Prof. Dr. Orhan Çelik emphasized that the Faculty of Political Sciences aims to maintain its position regarding local governments, saying, “A significant portion of the studies on local governments in Türkiye are carried out under universities. There are very valuable works in universities, and some of these are conducted at our Faculty. In this respect, the embodiment of the works in our Faculty together with your strength, sharing them with the public, and making them part of public service will also please us.”
Highlighting their satisfaction with the cooperation with TBB, Çelik stated, “With this protocol, we are officially recording both our intention and expectation that our collaboration will continue from now on.”