Ankara Hosts 5th Glocalization Conference on Civilizations and Diversity

The 5th Glocalization Conference opened Friday in Ankara with a reception hosted by Ankara Metropolitan Municipality. Around 400 participants are attending, including heads of state, religious figures, and corporate and institutional leaders. The event runs through 3 July.

This year's conference carries the theme of civilizational dialogue, diversity, and cooperative development. Sessions will cover topics such as intra-city diversity, city diplomacy, EU expansion, multiculturalism, and youth empowerment.

Glocal Forum President Uri Savir described the conference's core concept as local actors engaging on a global stage. He said local administrators bear meaningful responsibility in addressing the world's pressing challenges, including countering Islamophobia in Western societies and anti-Western sentiment in Muslim-majority countries.

Savir cited Türkiye as a fitting host, given its relationships with both Washington and Tehran. He also argued that Türkiye's accession to the European Union would benefit not only Europe but the broader Middle East and the world at large.

Historical summary. TurkishPress restated this wire report, first published in June 2006, in its own words.