"Conference on Enhancing the Localization of Sustainable Development Goals in Cities" was held in Balıkesir and "Sustainable Development Goals Cities Network Türkiye Office" was opened in Balıkesir with the initiatives of Mayor Yücel Yılmaz, who has made Balıkesir an international base and made Balıkesir known to the world through international partnerships. UN Habitat Representatives emphasized that Mayor Yücel Yılmaz knows very well how to transform his city and that he has promoted his country and Balıkesir very well in the international community.

The Conference on Advancing the Localization of Sustainable Development Goals in Cities was hosted by the Metropolitan Municipality in Balıkesir. Within the scope of the conference attended by many national and international stakeholders such as Ecuadorian Minister of Urban Development Gabriela Aguilera, Mayor of Balıkesir Metropolitan Municipality Yücel Yılmaz, United Nations Habitat Interregional Advisor and Sustainable Development Goals Cities Network Office Coordinator Dyfed Aubrey, Latin American Mayors, civil society representatives, the Sustainable Development Goals Cities Network Türkiye Office was also opened.

A UNIVERSAL ROADMAP

Stating that they came together in Balıkesir to discuss ways to make cities more inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable, Mayor Yücel Yılmaz said that Sustainable Development Goals are a universal roadmap. Emphasizing the need to move faster to achieve the SDGs, Mayor Yılmaz said that all 17 global goals are directly or indirectly related to local governments and therefore municipalities are one of the key actors in this regard. "We are aware of the importance of every step we take and every responsibility we take for a more liveable future. As the Metropolitan Municipality, we work in solidarity with many international institutions and organizations, especially the United Nations."

OFFICE TO ACCELERATE IMPLEMENTATION OF GLOBAL GOALS

Stating that they are happy to bring the Sustainable Development Goals Cities Network Turkey Office to Balıkesir, Mayor Yücel Yılmaz said: "The office will draw attention to the importance of cities in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and will contribute to Turkey's efforts and achievements in this field. The office, which will guide our cities on their journey to achieve global goals, is also very valuable in terms of providing cooperation opportunities with international projects and funds."

'PARTICIPATION OF CITIES IS IMPORTANT'

Gabriela Aguilera, Ecuador's Minister of Urban Development, stated that Ecuador has made a commitment to the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals and has determined all national and international policies accordingly.

"The participation of cities in the process is very important. Our municipalities are developing active projects for these purposes. We have identified 17 cities as pilot cities to achieve these goals." Noting that global problems can only be solved by acting together, Minister Aguilera emphasized that their aim is to build a sustainable future and ensure the continuity of urban development.

'WE ARE EXTREMELY FAR FROM THE TARGETS'

Thanking Yücel Yılmaz, Mayor of Balıkesir Metropolitan Municipality for hosting the event, Dyfed Aubrey, UN Habitat Interregional Advisor, said that excitement and efforts have increased for the realization of the Sustainable Development Goals. Emphasizing that SDGs are a universal call, Dyfed Aubrey said "These are shared priorities and an opportunity for collective action. We are a long way from realizing the goals. Cities must take this action. The only way to succeed is for all of society to mobilize and for us to work together. We all want a world where we live in harmony with nature. We have a responsibility to change the course of cities."

'EXCITING PARTNERSHIP'

Dyfed Aubrey, UN Habitat Interregional Advisor Dyfed Aubrey said that the opening of the Sustainable Development Goals Cities Network Turkey Office in Balıkesir is exciting for them: "Mr. Yücel Yılmaz sees the opportunities his city offers and how he can transform it. That is why we are with you today as UN Habitat. That is why we want to bring the Cities Network to Balıkesir. This center we are opening today will accelerate the realization of global goals. We look forward to this exciting partnership. I would like to thank Yücel Yılmaz for hosting us and for his sensitive stance on this issue."

TÜRKİYE OFFICE OPENS IN BALIKESİR

Following the opening speeches, the session on "The Role of Latin America and Turkey in Realizing the Sustainable Development Goals" was held. In the session, Latin American Mayors talked about the challenges and opportunities they experienced in their regions in achieving the global goals.

Rohey Malick Lowe, Mayor of Banjul, the capital city of Gambia, emphasized that Mayor of Balıkesir Metropolitan Municipality Yücel Yılmaz is talking about Balıkesir and Turkey in the most beautiful way and added that the whole world is talking about Balıkesir and Turkey.

Following the speeches, the Sustainable Development Goals Cities Network Turkey Office was inaugurated.

In addition to Yücel Yılmaz, Mayor of Balıkesir Metropolitan Municipality, Dyfed Aubrey, United Nations Habitat Interregional Advisor and Coordinator of the Sustainable Development Goals Cities Network Office, Gabriela Aguilera, Minister of Urban Development of Ecuador, Metin Arslanbaş, District Governor of Karesi, Dinçer Orkan, Mayor of Karesi, Hasan Avcı, Mayor of Altıeylül, Latin American Mayors; Antonio Castillo, Fabrian Aldaz, Javier Pincay, Ricardo Perez, Rohey Malick Lowe attended the program.