Local governments, which are the closest institutions to people, have a great responsibility to ensure that both cities, which hold unique beauties and values, and their dwellers are healthy.

Those of us, who have the responsibility for local governments of this beautiful country, shall put health and health equity to the center of all our actions for a brighter future.We need innovative methods,strategic thinking and actions that can shape the future to create a healthier Turkey where all the people may find peace and tranquility, will be able to age in good health and get together with their loved ones.

The Healthy Cities Project, which was initiated by WHO with the “the health for all”principles, and brings many cities from all around the globe together provides necessary supportto work in a more systematical and disciplined manner.

Healthy Cities Movement gives us the opportunity to learn from local governments and other successful implementations in Turkey and abroad and the opportunity to share our activities from others,which to accelerate progress all together.

Turkish Healthy Cities, which was established in 2005 with the aims of developing, adopting, and implementing the project in Turkey with its members, advances with firm steps towards these goals.

I believe that we can build together more beautiful cities under the umbrella of Healthy Cities Association and its members which came together with these aims. Together, we will make our cities the best examples in the world.

Alinur AKTAŞ
Chairman of Turkish Healthy Cities Association
Mayor, Bursa Metropolitan Municipality