Sustainable and Rights-Based Local Governance Certificate Program

Sustainable and Rights-Based Local Governance Certificate Program

Program Objectives

In an era of global crises—ranging from climate change to migration—local governments are the frontline of human rights implementation. The "Sustainable and Rights-Based Local Governance" certificate program is designed to bridge the gap between international legal frameworks and local administrative practice. By integrating the "Human Rights Cities" movement with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), this program empowers both students and municipal professionals to build inclusive, resilient, and rights-respecting urban environments.

Program Outcomes

Upon completion, participants will

Understand the legal hierarchy between local, national, and international human rights law;
Master the tools for monitoring and evaluating human rights at the city level (FRA frameworks);
Analyze concrete case studies on public procurement, migrant integration, and gender-sensitive urban planning;
Develop a "Local Action Plan" through the Human Rights Cities Quartet and WELDI games.

Applications for the training program will be made via O'Plus Future Ready. Courses will be delivered through the O'Learn system's section entitled O'Plus Future Ready Competency Development Program.

For detailed information mail to umut.azak@okan.edu.tr ( Prof. Dr. Umut Azak, program coordinator, Istanbul Okan University, Department of Political Science and International Relations)

Click here to apply.

Sessions 1 and 2: Monday, 13 April - Time: 13:00-17:00, Type: In-person, Location: Tuzla Campus, FBAS, Özer Ertuna Conference Hall
Sessions 3 and 4: Monday, 27 April - Time: 13:00-17:00, Type: In-person, Location: Tuzla Campus, FBAS, Özer Ertuna Conference Hall

Program Content

Day 1 (13.04.2026)	Session 1: Foundations of Local Governance & International Law. Session 2: The Global Movement of Human Rights Cities & Charters.
Day 2 (27.04.2026)	Session 3: Monitoring, Indicators, and Professionalization (How to become a HR City). Session 4: Localizing Rights: Public Procurement, Migration, and Intersectionality.

Trainer

Hans Sakkers, Urbact EU Lead Expert & EUI (European Urban Initiative) Peer Reviewer

Hans Sakkers is a sociologist who has served the City of Utrecht in a wide range of strategic roles. Over the years, he has been responsible for policy and strategy coordination, city marketing, and European and international cooperation. In this capacity, he initiated Utrecht Human Rights City and developed several collaborative projects with other human rights cities across Europe. In recent years, he has focused primarily on designing and managing innovative European projects, including initiatives on migration, human rights, and positive energy communities. He is also an expert affiliated with the URBACT and European Urban Initiative programs, has published on the localization of human rights, and is actively engaged in numerous international urban networks.