Young people met in Şanlıurfa at the WALD E-Parliament International 5th Youth Session

The World Academy for Local Government and Democracy (WALD) embraces the mission of integrating contemporary technological advancements into democratic processes and, particularly, encouraging active participation of youth in these platforms. In this regard, with the aim of instilling a sense of active citizenship among youth and contributing to their production of local solutions to global issues within the framework of participatory democracy principles, the "WALD E-Parliament 5th International Youth Session" was held on November 23, 2023, in collaboration with Harran University and the gracious hosting of Şanlıurfa Metropolitan Municipality.

WALD Chairman of the Executive Board, Dr. Mehmet Duman, who moderated the WALD E-Parliament 5th International Youth Session, stated in his opening speech, "Our goal is to encourage the participation of young people, ensuring the localization of sustainable living practices. I am excited to be discussing the main issues related to local solutions from your perspective on today's urban policies and practices."

The 5th Youth Session of the WALD E-Parliament commenced with the participation of Şanlıurfa Metropolitan Municipality Mayor, Attorney Zeynel Abidin BEYAZGÜL, President of the Palestinian Municipalities Association (APLA) Abdelkarim AL ZUBEIDI (Online), President of the Union of Cyprus Turkish Municipalities Mahmut ÖZÇINAR, Mayor of Sultangazi, Attorney Abdurrahman DURSUN, Mayor of Ein Al Basha from Jordan Jamal Al Waked Al FAOURİ, and the Education Sector Manager of the EU Commission Turkey Delegation, Prof. Dr. Mustafa BALCI.

In the session where Sustainable Development Goals "SDG 11: Making Cities and Human Settlements Inclusive, Safe, Resilient, and Sustainable" and "SDG 13: Climate Action" were opened for discussion, Harran University students and young participants joining virtually from different countries (Cyprus, Germany, Azerbaijan, Belgium, Austria, Lebanon) posed questions as the future leaders to today's leaders. They inquired about climate change at local, national, and global levels, the preservation of biodiversity, the creation of resilient and sustainable cities, responsible consumption, and the formation of sustainable communities.

The program, which garnered significant interest from the youth, concluded after WALD Board Member and Accounting Member Esq. Arbitrator Emin CANACANKATAN presented plaques to the participating leaders. The event concluded with inviting the young participants to the stage and a photo shoot.