#MunicipalForum2019
Gaziantep Declaration
Adopted at the Municipal Forum 2019, the Gaziantep Declaration sets out a shared vision for how cities and local authorities can lead in bridging humanitarian and development responses to displacement.
About the Declaration
The Municipal Forum 2019 highlighted how approaches bridging humanitarian and development responses — such as the New Way of Working — have been put into practice to achieve the goals and objectives of the Global Compact on Refugees (GCR) and the Global Compact on Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM).
Turkey, which hosted the largest refugee population in the world as of May 2019, provided a critical context for these discussions. The Declaration emphasises the essential role of cities and local authorities in implementing both compacts and calls for strengthened partnerships between municipalities, national governments, and international organisations.
The Gaziantep Declaration, adopted at the Municipal Forum 2019, represents a landmark commitment from local authorities to take an active role in bridging humanitarian assistance with long-term development planning. Cities and municipalities around the world have increasingly found themselves on the front lines of displacement crises, hosting large numbers of refugees and migrants. This declaration acknowledges that local governments are uniquely positioned to respond effectively, as they understand the specific needs of their communities. By embracing integrated approaches that combine emergency relief with sustainable urban development, municipal leaders can create more inclusive cities where both host communities and newcomers can thrive together.
Local governance plays a critical role in implementing the principles outlined in the Global Compact on Refugees and the Global Compact on Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration. Mayors and municipal authorities are not merely implementers of national policy but are essential partners in shaping responses that work on the ground. The Municipal Forum 2019 brought together city leaders, international organizations, and development experts to share practical experiences and strategies. This collaborative spirit reflects a growing recognition that effective solutions to displacement require close cooperation between all levels of government, civil society, and the private sector, with local leadership at the center.
The declaration emphasizes the importance of sustainable urban planning and inclusive service delivery for all residents, regardless of their legal status. Cities that invest in education, healthcare, housing, and economic opportunities for everyone foster social cohesion and long-term stability. The Municipal Forum highlighted how Turkish municipalities, particularly in cities like Gaziantep, have demonstrated innovative approaches to integrating large refugee populations into local systems. These experiences offer valuable lessons for other cities facing similar challenges, showing that with strong political will and international cooperation, local governments can turn crises into opportunities for inclusive urban development.
Initiatives and Documents
Global Refugee Forum
The Gaziantep Declaration contributed to the evidence base and municipal perspective shared at the first Global Refugee Forum, convened in December 2019.
3RP Turkey Chapter 2019–2020
The Regional Refugee and Resilience Plan (3RP) for Turkey outlines coordinated efforts in protection, livelihoods, and municipal resilience.
3RP Support to Municipal Resilience
A dedicated report examining how the 3RP framework has supported Turkish municipalities in building resilience and responding to displacement.
Turkey Inter-Agency Portal
A comprehensive resource for data, reports, and operational guidance on the refugee response in Turkey.