İlhan: "The PACE project is of critical importance for our city"

Speaking at the informational meeting for the Participatory, Inclusive, and Green Recovery for Local Public Services in Earthquake-Affected Regions Project (PACE), our Vice Chairman of the Board Basri İlhan stated, "Maximizing the benefits of this grant-supported project is of critical importance for our city to achieve a stronger structure in the coming years."

An informational meeting for the Participatory, Inclusive, and Green Recovery for Local Public Services in Earthquake-Affected Regions Project (PACE), which aims to strengthen local governments in the earthquake zone, was held at the Malatya Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MTSO).

The meeting was attended by PACE Project Manager Jan Reckmann, MTSO Vice Chairman of the Board Basri İlhan, representatives from public institutions, municipalities, universities, and civil society organizations.

In his opening remarks, MTSO Vice Chairman of the Board Basri İlhan said: "The earthquakes we experienced on February 6 deeply affected not only our physical structures but also many areas, from public services to urban planning, from social life to economic capacity. However, they also instilled in all of us a great responsibility, a new vision, and a more inclusive culture of solidarity. Every step we take today as local governments, public institutions, universities, professional chambers, cooperatives, and civil society organizations lays the foundation for a stronger, more resilient, and more sustainable Malatya of tomorrow. In this regard, the PACE Project is not just a recovery program for our city but also a holistic development model that integrates participatory governance, inclusive public services, and environmental sensitivity. Involving local stakeholders, shaping decisions with on-the-ground insights, and integrating green transformation into all stages are of critical importance for our city to achieve a stronger structure in the coming years. As the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, we will continue to be both supporters and natural participants in this transformation. We know you share the same approach. The perspectives, suggestions, and field experiences of every participant here hold great value for the success of the project. Therefore, I believe today's meeting will create a collaborative environment that strengthens cooperation, generates new ideas, and responds most accurately to our city's needs."

Following İlhan's speech, presentations were delivered by PACE Project Development Advisor for Local Governments Aziz Erden and Monitoring and Evaluation Advisor Cem Pekcanlı.

The meeting continued with presentations and contributions from representatives of Malatya Metropolitan Municipality, Battalgazi Municipality, Yeşilyurt Municipality, Akçadağ Municipality, and civil society organizations.