By
July 4, 2011

Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Kadir Topbas addressed the gathering of mayors in Baltimore. “Istanbul,” he said, is “the home of three empires, it is 8,500 hundred years old, has 14 million inhabitants, and is the ‘cradle of civilization.’ “

His message was straightforward: Local governments and mayors are the key to bringing about peace and prosperity in a shrinking world challenged by exploding population growth, global warming, and the dire poverty of many inhabitants of the globe.

“Cities working together are a unique force in the development of nations, allocating forces where they are needed and where sharing of powers is just and fair.”

Topbas’ belief in the power of local government comes not only from leadership of his metropolitan area, but also from his responsibilities as President of the Union of Turkish Mayors and as President of United Cities and Local Governments, a worldwide organization of 3,000 members that represents 3.5 million people across the globe.

Of the people of the earth, “Our futures are interlinked, and we are co-dependent on each other,” he said, noting that,

• “The world has shrunk. We are closer to each other than ever before,”

• “The population of the world is increasing. The number of people in cities is skyrocketing,” and

• “The constant threat of global warming is of concern to all of us.”

Main issues include:

• Addressing climate change,

• Meeting the needs of local governments,

• Making sure that available resources are allocated in a right and fair manner.

• Creating jobs for our people,

• Ensuring that sharing of powers will be just and fair, and

• Building a sustainable future.

Quoting the great Persian philosopher Rumi, Topbas said, “The future of the next generation is determined today. We must lay the foundation for them to live in harmony and peace.”

“Our manifest bears the seal of a global family”– and this is our fundamental commitment,” he said.

“American mayors are pioneers, which we in the rest of the world closely observe. You pushed climate protection and are in the forefront of major innovation and effective strategies for urban growth and development and many other policy areas.”

Topbas quoted Rumi once again, saying, “Those who usually relate to one another do not necessarily speak the same language, but they share the same emotions.”

We here today may not all speak the same language, but we share the same emotions of hope that we can achieve peace and prosperity in the world, he said.

In closing, Topbas invited all the mayors to visit Istanbul. “In the same neighborhood one can find a church, a synagogue, and a mosque. Istanbul is truly a city of peace. You would be welcome!”