Ahonsi: You Are Global Citizens who think globally, but act locally

“You Are Global Citizens who think globally, but act locally” said UN Resident Coordinator Babatunde Ahonsi in his meeting with the Capital (Ankara) Youth Assembly highlighting the vital role of young people in shaping their communities, emphasizing that true global citizenship means not only understanding worldwide challenges but also taking local action to drive meaningful change.

Ahonsi, met with members of the Capital (Ankara) Youth Assembly at the Ankara Citizen Council’s building, on 12 February where he was welcomed by Vice Chairperson Prof. Savaş Zafer Şahin of the Ankara Citizen Council. During the meeting, Prof. Şahin provided Ahonsi with an overview of the Ankara Citizen Council, highlighting its role as a legitimate and inclusive platform that brings together all stakeholders in the city, including local authorities, professional chambers, civil society organizations, and universities.

With its horizontal structure, the Ankara Citizen Council operates through assemblies and working groups that provide advisory decisions to the municipal council. 

Recognizing the significance of this model, Ahonsi said, “This is a model for participatory governance. A real democracy is not just about the elections; real democracy happens between elections.” He expressed his admiration for both the Council and the Youth Assembly, emphasizing the importance of youth engagement in governance and decision-making processes.

Ahonsi also spoke about the challenges the world, including Türkiye, faces in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with only five years remaining until the 2030 deadline. He highlighted Türkiye’s significant role in addressing these global challenges, noting, “The UN Secretary-General leans a lot on Türkiye in addressing some of these challenges. The voice of young people is very important. Change will only happen if ordinary people make it happen.”

In his remarks, Ahonsi underscored the alignment between Türkiye’s 12th National Development Plan and the SDGs, particularly in areas such as green transition, resilience, and digital transformation. “I see the UN in Türkiye as a collaborator. We are co-travelers with Türkiye as the country pursues its national development priorities. Sustainable development is about development that works for everyone, which is why we talk about leaving no one behind,” he stated.

The meeting also provided an opportunity for the Capital Youth Assembly members to introduce themselves and share insights into their work. The Capital Youth Assembly serves as a platform where young people actively participate in policymaking for Ankara and have a say in decisions affecting their lives. The Assembly brings together young people from various disciplines and operates in collaboration with CSOs, international organizations, universities and their student groups. The Assembly has 4500 members. 

During the meeting UNFPA Türkiye Office Project Manager Emine Kuzutürk Savaş invited the members of the Youth Assembly to their premises for a meeting with the UN Türkiye Youth Working Group. 

UN Türkiye is committed to working alongside Türkiye’s young leaders in their efforts to build a more inclusive and sustainable future.