Esra Çolak Yıldız

Our organization, Muğla Metropolitan Municipality, was established in 2014 as a result of Law No. 6360, which reorganized local administrations in Turkey. As a metropolitan municipality, we are responsible for providing a wide range of services to a diverse population across urban and rural areas, including infrastructure development, transportation, environmental protection, social welfare, and cultural activities. Despite being a relatively young institution, we are deeply committed to addressing the needs of disadvantaged groups, including people with disabilities, low-income families, and the elderly. Our vision is to foster sustainable development and social inclusion through innovative projects and strong partnerships. While this is our first experience participating in an Erasmus+ project, we believe our expertise in managing large-scale municipal programs, combined with our dedication to community empowerment, will make us a valuable partner. We are eager to contribute to international collaborations, exchange best practices, and learn from other European institutions. Strategy of the organization: Our strategy focuses on delivering high-quality public services while fostering social inclusion, sustainability, and innovation. We aim to address the needs of all citizens, especially disadvantaged groups, through participatory governance, effective resource management, and collaborative partnerships at the local, national, and international levels. Object of the organization: The primary objective of Muğla Metropolitan Municipality is to enhance the quality of life for all residents by providing efficient and sustainable municipal services. This includes improving infrastructure, promoting environmental protection, supporting vulnerable groups, and encouraging cultural and social development. Aims of the organization: Ensuring Equal Access to Services: To provide accessible, efficient, and high-quality municipal services to all citizens, with special attention to disadvantaged groups, such as people with disabilities, low-income families, and the elderly. Promoting Social Inclusion and Cohesion: To foster an inclusive society where all individuals feel valued and supported, regardless of their socioeconomic status, age, gender, or abilities. Sustainable Development: To prioritize environmentally sustainable practices in urban and rural development, including renewable energy, waste management, and biodiversity conservation. Improving Community Well-being: To enhance the quality of life through investments in health, education, culture, and social welfare projects. Strengthening Local Democracy: To encourage participatory governance by involving citizens, NGOs, and stakeholders in decision-making processes. Encouraging International Collaboration: To build partnerships with international organizations, share best practices, and engage in cross-cultural exchanges to drive innovation and improve municipal services. Empowering Women and Youth: To promote gender equality and provide opportunities for youth engagement through educational and social initiatives. Cultural and Historical Preservation: To protect and promote Muğla’s rich cultural heritage and traditions while encouraging sustainable tourism development. Muğla Metropolitan Municipality is dedicated to improving the quality of life for all its residents through various initiatives in social welfare, education, environmental sustainability, and disaster preparedness. Key activities relevant to this application include: Supporting Disadvantaged Groups: We have implemented programs to address the needs of individuals with disabilities, low-income families, and elderly residents, ensuring their inclusion in social and public services. Community Development Projects: We have carried out projects focusing on local economic development, cultural preservation, and public health, contributing to the well-being of our diverse population. Collaborations and Partnerships: Although this is our first Erasmus+ project, we have experience working with NGOs, academic institutions, and public organizations on initiatives that promote sustainability, education, and social integration. Focus on Education and Awareness: We organize workshops, training programs, and awareness campaigns to promote environmental protection, disaster preparedness, and social inclusion. Innovative Solutions: We have embraced digital transformation and innovative tools to improve accessibility and efficiency in delivering public services, including supporting e-learning platforms and digital literacy programs. While we are new to Erasmus+ projects, our extensive experience in managing large-scale initiatives and our commitment to fostering social cohesion make us a reliable and enthusiastic partner.