The third meeting of UCLG-MEWA Culture Committee, titled "Middle East and Culture", and hosted by Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality “the Committee president”, on 27 November 2017
Mr. Abdurrahman Sen, Head of the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Culture Department, chaired the meeting which focused on cultural heritage and trends in the Middle East and West Asia.
Mr. Mehmet Duman, the UCLG-MEWA Secretary General, said in his opening speech, that culture diversity between heritage and creative cultural & tourist attractions, is a common element and integrated approach to economic, social and environmental aspects of sustainable development.
The Committee president representative, Mr. Sen presented the events and activities report of 2016-2017.
Then Mr. Tunch Soyer, the Co-President of culture committee in UCLG-MEWA, presented to the members the coming events and activities program of 2017-2018, which unanimously approved.
During the meeting, the following municipalities were admitted as members of the UCLG-MEWA culture Committee: Ajigoel Municipality (Turkey), Bakhoun Municipality (Lebanon), Beit El Faqs Municipality (Lebanon), Bikaasfrine Municipality (Lebanon), Betormaz Municipality (Lebanon), Municipalities Union of Danniyeh (Lebanon), Mrah Srej Municipality (Lebanon), Ordu Metropolitan Municipality (Turkey), Uchisar Municipality (Turkey), Urla Municipality (Turkey), Urgup Municipality (Turkey), Municipalities Union of Zahleh (Lebanon) which brings the committee membership to 29 members. With regard to boost the Committee management and for further cooperation among members; a special secretariat was formed in Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality.
Then a discussion took a place regarding the fourth meeting where it was agreed unanimously that the fourth Culture Committee meeting will be in September 2018, and will be hosted by Ordu Metropolitan Municipality (Turkey).