Esteemed Stakeholders, 

Valued Friends…

At a time when the concept of governance is being redefined on a global scale, I have assumed the role of Chair of the Board of Trustees of the World Academy for Local Government and Democracy (WALD). This role represents not merely an institutional responsibility, but also a clear expression of our determination to ensure stronger international representation for democratic values ​​emerging from the local level.

Viewing democratic governance not just as an administrative model but as a cornerstone of social peace and sustainable development, WALD has transformed the journey it began in 1993 into a body of institutional expertise with a globally felt impact. Shaped by the principle of "Democracy for All, Service for All," this thirty-three-year legacy has placed the strengthening of local governments at the heart of a strategic vision for the future. Today, however, rising global vulnerabilities—such as the climate crisis, forced migration, economic uncertainties, and social inequalities—have transformed local governments from mere service providers into essential actors within the architecture of global resilience.

In this new era, our goal is to advance a governance approach that strengthens local government capacity, deepens multi-stakeholder collaborations, aligns with international norms, and places human dignity at the center. We aim to further develop the strategic partnerships WALD has established with the United Nations system, other international organizations, local governments, universities, and civil society networks—moving beyond project-based initiatives to foster long-term institutional resilience.

The new governance paradigm taking shape at the global level necessitates an approach that brings together participation, accountability, and sustainability. In this context, WALD will continue to strengthen its vision of serving as a reference institution that bridges the local and the global, transforms knowledge generation into practice, and disseminates good governance practices.

In the period ahead, we will pursue our work with a strategic orientation that ensures the more effective participation of youth, women, and vulnerable groups in decision-making processes; supports social protection and economic inclusion; prioritizes environmental sustainability; and upholds the ethical foundations of digital transformation.

I believe that strong local governments are the foundation of strong societies, and that strong societies are the foundation of a stable and peaceful global order. As WALD, we are committed to contributing to the construction of a resilient, inclusive, and equitable future by further expanding our sphere of influence from the local to the global.

I believe that the knowledge, experience, and solidarity emerging from the local level possess a transformative power on a global scale, and I look forward to building our shared future together in line with this vision.

Hüseyin TOPBAŞ

Chairman of the WALD Board of Trustees