Local Development
Local development is a process which strives to resolve the socio-economic, cultural and environmental problems in order to foster sustainable development and improve the well-being of the population. Although local development is commonly related with economic factors, it has a wider scope that entails non-economic aspects of development such as strengthening local cultural identity and diversity, contributing to social cohesion and achieving environmental goals.
In addition to revealing the developmental potential of settlements which are already developed or have the prospects of development, local approach makes it possible to detect the developmental prospects of mid-level settlements. Local development approach appeals not to for urban areas but also, and mostly, to either rural or non-urban areas. This approach seeks to discover the internal dynamics of the region, to ensure better standards of living and to improve the wealth of communities. It is an inclusive and participative process in overcoming the difficulties and existing challenges that lie ahead of achieving and sustaining development outcomes.
SDG Target 8.3 explicitly aims to “promote development-oriented policies that support productive activities, decent job creation, entrepreneurship, creativity and innovation, and encourage the formalisation and growth of micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises, including through access to financial services.” Public and private sectors can fuel productivity and development through cooperation, and sharing information is the key to achieving the SDGs. National and local governments have been putting policy initiatives in place to support these sectors as drivers of inclusive growth. Furthermore, cultural and creative sectors contribute to the local economy by making cities center of attention for tourism, employment and investment.
Local development revives local economy through generating economic growth, improving physical environment, increasing productivity and attracting investment. Moreover, local development benefits from internal dynamics to explore and activate current employment potential. It also encourages local SMEs and entrepreneurship, and strengthens the coordination and integration of institutions with a common development vision. MARUF will draw the cities together to exchange knowledge and share the best practices in order to use innovative ideas for policy making under the theme of “Local Development.”
Sessions
| Session Name | Date | Time | Room |
|---|---|---|---|
| Key elements for local development in urban space | 2 October 2019 | 09:00 - 10:30 | Emirgan 1 |
| Unleashing the potential for local development | 2 October 2019 | 16:00 - 17:30 | Emirgan 1 |
