WALD 2023 Protection Dialogue Session Kicks Off

World Academy for Local Government and Democracy Foundation (WALD)'s 2023 Protection Dialogue Session I took place interactively on December 27, 2023, with the participation of WALD employees, municipal representatives, members from the Social Services and United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) experts. During the meeting, a detailed presentation was given on WALD's completed activities in 2023 and its new roadmap.

Dr. Mehmet DUMAN, the Chairman of the WALD Board of Directors, focused on the services implemented by WALD over the past year in his speech at the event. In his assessment, he expressed the intention to share the achievements and highlight the shortcomings in the services provided, aiming for a constructive exchange of views. He also emphasized the critical role of consultations with local government representatives and the feedback received in shaping the plans for the new year.

Dr. DUMAN emphasized the need to strengthen collaboration among local governments and transfer successful projects to other municipalities. In response to a question from local government representatives, he shared his views on the return process of refugees to the provinces where they are registered, indicating the potential for collaboration and shared solutions between Istanbul and other provinces in this regard.

Highlighting the longstanding Israel-Palestine tension and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza not only as a current issue but also as an ongoing problem, Dr. DUMAN emphasized the importance of raising awareness on this matter.

WALD Academy Director Hülya ALPER provided a general overview of the services offered by WALD, sharing the project outputs achieved in 2023 through services provided by Social Protection Desks and Urban Harmonization Units.

The meeting concluded with a cocktail reception following a group photo session with all the attendees.