ICLEI Member Mersin (Türkiye) has received a special mention for the 2025 “Best Practice in Citizen Participation” OIPD award, given annually by the International Observatory on Participatory Democracy (OIDP) to recognise the experiences that local and regional governments implement in the field of participatory democracy.
The award ceremony took place on May 21 2025, on the first day of the 24th OIDP Conference in Córdoba, Argentina.
This year the evaluation and the awarding of nominations was organised into five categories:
- Building more democratic and peaceful communities
- Urban management and public space
- Gender and care
- Ecological Transition and Environment
- Civic Tech
Mersin was recognised in the Gender and Care category for hosting 79 ‘Monday Talks,’ an innovative model aimed at strengthening participatory democracy and fostering inclusive local governance. The initiative institutionalises collaboration between local government and civil society by holding weekly stakeholder meetings with NGOs. These sessions focus on enhancing public services for marginalised groups, including women, children, the elderly, refugees, persons with disabilities, and rural residents. By pairing NGOs with rural communities and coordinating closely with municipal departments, the initiative has led to tangible improvements in education, awareness, and social support services. To ensure long-term impact, Mersin has formalised NGO partnerships, streamlined internal coordination, and incorporated insights from the talks into policymaking.
"We are glad to join IODP in applauding the winning cities' efforts to foster more resilient, inclusive and democratic societies through participation. The many excellent submitted practices that I encountered while on the jury give me hope that we will succeed in fostering sustainable and just cities for all." - Matthew Bach, Regional Director of ICLEI Europe.
San Luis Potosí (Mexico) won the award, with five other cities receiving special mentions for successes ranging from Digital Democracy in Niterói (Brazil) to Ecological and Participatory Restoration of Wetlands in Azuay (Ecuador).
The OIPD will organise webinars with the winners on June 19 2025; to join the webinar, visit the OIPD website:
- 12:00 CEST with Mersin, Tilottama and Torino
- 17:00 CEST Azuay, Medellin, Niteroi and San Luis Potosi
Read more about the award and applications submitted here.