Neslihan Cankara

Neslihan Cankara is a development professional with over 17 years of experience in democratic, participatory, and inclusive governance, civil society, and local governments. 

Throughout her career, she has successfully managed numerous national and international projects, particularly in the fields of regional and rural development, education, health, and social inclusion. At UNDP Türkiye, Cankara focuses on strengthening collaboration between local governments, central public institutions, and civil society organizations. She has extensive expertise in participatory local governance, transparency, accountability, and volunteering.

She has been recognized for her work on developing collaborative models between local actors and civil society, particularly in projects supported by the European Union and international donors. Currently, she is leading the “Strengthening Civic Engagement for Democratic Local Governance in Türkiye” Project, which aims to create more inclusive and resilient cities by empowering civil society and implementing innovative methods for civic participation. In this role, she maintains strategic communication and partnerships with project stakeholders and the UNDP project team to achieve sustainable impact.