Balıkesir Transformation Congress has started

The ‘Balıkesir Transformation Congress’ organized by Balıkesir Metropolitan Municipality has started. Delivering the opening speech of the congress aimed at revealing the city’s socio-economic, demographic structure and understanding the reality of earthquakes through the formation of resilient cities, Balıkesir Metropolitan Mayor Ahmet Akın stated, ‘The goal I set for Balıkesir is to become a world-renowned brand.’ The Balıkesir Transformation Congress, which achieved a wide participation in Balıkesir, started with the opening speeches. Metropolitan Mayor Ahmet Akın emphasized that transformation is the most fundamental reality of life and that urban transformation is not about adding floors to buildings or more concrete, but about well-being, peace, and freedom. He expressed the importance of understanding and analyzing a city’s past, present, and future goals, as well as the values that define the city. Mayor Akın highlighted that they are starting their journey to make Balıkesir a global city by embracing the values that make Balıkesir unique and striving for local development. He emphasized the significance of developing a strategic roadmap and a development plan for the city, and stated that they will establish a common ground for exchanging ideas and set a new vision for Balıkesir together. Mayor Akın underlined that municipalities are not only limited to traditional services such as roads, water, infrastructure, zoning, and planning, but also play a vital role in improving the quality of life in cities. He described Balıkesir as a city with high potential in industries, agriculture, livestock, tourism, trade, and service sectors, offering a peaceful living environment, and deserving the title of a city worth living in. Mayor Akın concluded his speech by stating that their aim is to enhance the quality of life in Balıkesir and achieve sustainable urban development. Following the opening speeches, CHP Deputy Chairman Gökhan Zeybek, Balıkesir Governor İsmail Ustaoğlu, and Rector of Balıkesir University Prof. Dr. Yücel Oğurlu delivered brief speeches.