Izmir Citizens' Assembly for Climate: A First for Turkey
From
September 19, 2025
The first session of the Izmir Citizens' Assembly for Climate took place on 7 September 2025, with the aim of mitigating effects of the climate crisis such as forest fires, drought, and seawater warming. The 50 selected citizens will meet over 5 days between September and early November. The aim is for their recommendations to be integrated into the Izmir Metropolitan Municipality's Sustainable Energy and Climate Action Plan (SECAP). This is the first time citizens’ assembly methodology has been applied in Turkey.
Speaking to the assembly at its launch, Mayor Dr. Cemil Tugay said, ‘My advice to you is to be brave, relaxed and free. Do what needs to be done. The success of the Citizens' Assembly will lead the way for the establishment of new citizens' assemblies in Turkey.’
The Izmir Citizens' Assembly for Climate is a partnership between the Izmir Metropolitan Municipality, the YUVA Association, and the HUDOTO Foundation, funded by the European Union (EU) and supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) under its Civic Participation Grant Program. The assembly has also received supported from the European Climate Foundation and KNOCA, including a study visit to London boroughs that have implemented climate assemblies.
