Turkish Cypriot Municipalities Gain Representation in Paris

Turkish Cypriot Municipalities Gain Representation in Paris

Mator Kırok raised equal opportunities in education, while Mayor Amcaoğlu highlighted biodiversity protection.

The Union of Turkish Cypriot Municipalities was represented at the Council of Europe Governance Committee meetings held in Paris, France, by Çatalköy-Esentepe Mayor Ceyhun Kırok and Gönyeli-Alayköy Mayor Hüseyin Amcaoğlu.

The meetings brought together local and regional government representatives from across Europe to discuss policies on education, the environment, sustainable development and biodiversity conservation.

Kırok focuses on preventing educational disadvantage

During the meetings, Çatalköy-Esentepe Mayor Ceyhun Kırok addressed the role local governments can play in preventing students from falling behind in education and tackling school absenteeism.

Kırok stressed that absenteeism is not only an education issue, but is also closely linked to social support, health, transport and economic conditions.

Participants discussed how local authorities can act as a bridge between schools and families, establish early warning systems, identify at-risk students sooner, develop family support programmes and encourage stronger youth participation in education.

The discussions also covered stronger school-family-community cooperation, the creation of youth councils, wider access to psychological support services and inclusive policies aimed at improving equal opportunities in education.

Turkish Cypriot Municipalities Gain Representation in Paris

Amcaoğlu, meanwhile, highlighted the importance of protecting natural habitats, developing green infrastructure in urban areas, supporting sustainable urban planning, promoting native plant species, safeguarding water resources and adapting to climate change.

Environmentally friendly agricultural practices, biodiversity inventories and public awareness initiatives on environmental protection were also discussed.

Future role of local governments discussed

During their contacts in Paris, participants underlined that local governments must be prepared not only to meet today’s needs, but also to address the responsibilities of the future.

Kırok and Amcaoğlu said they would continue to follow good practices in Europe, develop new partnerships, increase the sharing of knowledge and experience, and apply the outcomes of these contacts to their work in local government.

Source (Turkish):  Çatalköy-Esentepe Municipality

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