Diyarbakır Metropolitan Municipality and the Youth Organisations Forum Association signed a cooperation protocol. Speaking at the signing ceremony, Co-Mayor Serra Bucak expressed her hope that the step would develop into work that strengthens direct contact in the field.

A cooperation protocol was signed between Diyarbakır Metropolitan Municipality and the Youth Organisations Forum Association (GoFOR). Diyarbakır Metropolitan Municipality Co-Mayor Serra Bucak met with GoFOR representatives, as well as Diyarbakır Environment and Development Association (ÇEVKA), Uçarı Youth Association, Generation Z Association and representatives of youth organisations on behalf of GoFOR.

‘May this be a step that strengthens direct contact’

Speaking after the protocol was signed, Co-Mayor Serra Bucak drew attention to the importance of organising, saying: “Unfortunately, youth work tends to remain in the shadow of sport. In this respect, we find partnerships of this kind meaningful. It is valuable to organise such work with organisations like yours, with a broad vision. I hope this step develops into work that strengthens direct contact in the field.”

GoFOR General Coordinator Hasan Oğuzhan Aytaç said Diyarbakır was the city where they were most strongly organised in the region, adding: “We are aware of the meaning this city carries, and we had always waited for the elected will to return. Immediately after you were elected, we held a members’ meeting. It was one of the most meaningful gatherings in our history.”

About the protocol

Under the protocol, young people are expected to take a direct role in the preparation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of youth policies. It also aims to ensure that the views and proposals of youth organisations are taken into account in municipal work concerning young people.

As part of the cooperation, research activities, forums, workshops, hackathons and awareness campaigns are planned under the “Youth, Participation and Gender Equality” project, to be carried out with the support of UN Women.

The protocol states that the Municipality will provide in-kind and logistical support for youth work, while GoFOR will offer expert support for the development of youth policies from an equality-based perspective.