Speakers – International Town Twinning Summit

FARUK KAYMAKCI

twinning — Sun, 11 Oct 2020 13:13:59 +0000

Recent developments remind us yet again how critically important it is to have strong relations between Turkey and the EU for serenity, peace and prosperity in the region. What matters aside from intergovernmental relationships and political developments, and maybe even more important, is to have a dialogue between the local and regional actors from both parties. In this sense, it is of utmost importance for the advancement of Turkey’s EU accession process that cities stand in solidarity with one another, develop mutual working relationships and respond to common challenges together and in an active manner. Town Twinning between Turkey and the EU Project executed by the Directorate for EU Affairs furthers cooperation between cities under different themes and helps overcoming bilateral prejudices. Nowadays, where regional and international solidarity has come to the forefront even more noticeably with the COVID-19 pandemic, it is of vital importance for all European cities and local actors, especially those in Turkey, to carry through with their projects focusing on cooperation in areas such as health, the environment and climate change.

NIkolaus Meyer-Landrut

twinning — Sun, 11 Oct 2020 13:13:14 +0000

The European Union has created a borderless European community built on values of respect, tolerance, solidarity, non-discrimination and the rule of law. Beyond the technical aspects of the European accession process, the promotion of a common European identity can only be achieved through bringing citizens and societies closer to each other. Town twinning projects, implemented by the local administrations, which are the closest administrative units to the citizens, are efficient instruments. They help develop intercultural dialogue between Turkey and the communities in the European Union. They seek common solutions to common problems at national and international level and increase awareness around EU policies at local level. Town twinning brings cities/communities closer to one another in a participatory and inclusive manner. It improves local diplomacy and city-to-city cooperation and also creates opportunities for local administration to influence decision making at national level. These are all crucial components of Turkey’s integration with the EU at the local level.

PROF. DR. ŞÜKRÜ KARATEPE

twinning — Sun, 11 Oct 2020 13:12:37 +0000

Anders Knape

twinning — Sun, 11 Oct 2020 13:12:01 +0000

When looking for new ways to contribute to the sustainability of cities, one can identify different ways of achieving it: town twinning is one of them. For me and for the Congress of local and regional authorities I represent, town twinning means exchange, dialogue, cooperation and solidarity.

The first step for successful twinning is understanding that we all have common problems and common interests, stemming from our responsibilities towards citizens. We can only be stronger in carrying out our duties if we exchange and cooperate with our peers facing the same difficulties and challenges. Twinning and networking between cities provide the opportunity for finding solutions to shared problems and challenges and we, in the Congress fully support such cooperation between cities and regions all over Europe.

FATMA ŞAHİN

twinning — Sun, 11 Oct 2020 13:11:17 +0000

Town twinning which is the most important tool of the international cooperation and relations of the municipalities, is a type of relation where municipalities come together within the framework of a written contract in order to develop close relations between local authorities. Also, town twinning relations contribute the municipalities to find solutions together for common problems and to create a sustainable atmosphere for sharing experiences.

Today, town twinning relations are carried out mutually by local authorities of countries regardless of the government system, population, geographical location and economical structure; do not only contribute to the increase of urban service capacities but also to economic development and cultural dialogue.

Town twinning is one of the most important tools of local diplomacy, bringing towns and communities together and supporting participatory and inclusive progress and thus, contributing to sustainable development in the long run.

Town twinning relations enable both information and experience sharing through ensuring the cooperation between not only local authorities but also all stakeholders throughout the town including the business community, NGOs and citizens.

JENS CHRISTIAN GJESING

twinning — Sun, 11 Oct 2020 13:10:30 +0000

“The work of the European Committee of the Regions Working Group on Turkey shows the importance that direct relations between Turkish and EU local authorities are key to tackle problems that affect directly their populations. Twinning is a successful programme of the EU which has allowed sharing experiences among local authorities in many fields as the fight against climate change or the modernization of the local administration to serve better their population. Because we should not forget that the enlargement process must be, first and foremost, a process which benefits the citizens of these countries. This collaboration helps our societies to know each other better and respect the common values that are at the heart of the European project.”

Eleftheria Pertzinidou

twinning — Sun, 11 Oct 2020 13:09:03 +0000

Town twinning is a multi-purpose tool, which aims to enhance people-to-people contacts, to build sustainable bridges within the civil society and between public authorities and civil society organisations. The involvement of local authorities allows for bottom-up solutions that are more participatory and closer to citizens’ needs. Local authorities have an important role to play with respect to the implementation of the EU standards and policies. Through town twinning projects, local administrations in Turkey work together with peers in the EU to find common solutions to common problems and stimulate dialogue and eradicate prejudices. They bring together stakeholders from different backgrounds and various locations within the EU and Turkey. As such, they create synergies ultimately offering better services to all citizens.

Magnus Berntsson

twinning — Sun, 11 Oct 2020 13:07:22 +0000

Since its founding in 1985, the Assembly of European Regions has been a forum of interregional cooperation. Interregional cooperation such as the Town Twinning initiatives are integral in the fostering of the sustainable, prosperous future of Europe. We are very pleased with such initiatives and encourage regions to take part.

TUNÇ SOYER

twinning — Sun, 11 Oct 2020 13:06:43 +0000

What Turkey-EU relations are most in need of is dialogue. The most valuable contribution our cities can bring is to establish a bond between our people. We should be able to build this bond on a deeper, stronger and sustainable dialogue. Both Turkey and European societies bring together many different cultures, political and economic systems. We should be able to establish dialogues in which we will be more aware of the opportunities and challenges of the relations that these differences give way to. The administrative units that will be most effective in establishing the bond between our societies and conducting this dialogue are the municipalities. We should take advantage of the proximity of municipalities to citizens. In addition, the institutional capacities, financial and human resources, expertise and execution experiences of the municipalities make it possible to establish and maintain this dialogue.

In this context, town twinning projects encourage the citizens to get to know European values more closely and to embrace the EU and the candidacy process more. The partnerships between our cities also enhance mutual knowledge exchange, tolerance, mutual understanding and respect between our people and promote intercultural dialogue.

The dialogue between our cities and our people mutually helps us gain information about our history, social and administrative procedures, rules, and value judgments. These bonds of friendship to establish solid and sustainable relations between the EU and Turkey is an example for the future accession process by enhancing the mutual understanding. In addition, exchange of knowledge and experience regarding problems and solutions increases the capacities of local administrations, which are the administrative units closest to citizens.

Emil Boc

twinning — Sun, 11 Oct 2020 13:05:54 +0000

Creating a legal framework, for people to meet people- in order to establish true friendships, have a common understanding of each other, approach pragmatic themes, implement projects together, increase global tolerance and create awareness on how future should be co-created for the benefit of the next generations.