The project aims to improve civil engagement quality in participatory governance processes, in line with good governance culture. Developed with the understanding of "You cannot improve what you do not measure", the Civil Engagement Evaluation Model© aims to facilitate the effective implementation of an inclusive and meaningful civil participation approach in all decision-making and implementation of pre- and post-disaster processes.
"How" is it possible to improve civil engagement in post-disaster development and reconstruction processes?
Dr. Yılmaz Argüden, Chairman of the Trustees of Argüden Governance Academy, delivered the opening speech at the Civil Engagement from Disaster to Development Conference, emphasizing that post-disaster activities need to address not only immediate needs, but also need to consider long-term development goals. Dr. Argüden also stated that "Natural disasters are inevitable, but disaster preparedness is an investment in a resilient future. Mental preparation, education, and preparatory exercises save lives. Preparing for the future enhances the speed and quality of reconstruction efforts. Fostering an inclusive and meaningful participation in these processes increases social trust and enhances the efficiency of resource utilization and implementation. Civil engagement empowers citizens and builds a resilient society. We aim to foster a more resilient society and liveable cities by promoting good governance and civil engagement in all pre- and post-disaster processes.”
Betül Selcen Özer, General Manager of the Support Foundation for Civil Society, the cooperation partner of the Kahramanmaraş Earthquake Direct Support Fund, stated that: "I believe this Model will make an important space for civil society communication, especially in the field of reconstruction efforts. What makes this project special for us is that its focus on good governance, active citizen participation by involving the public sector, NGOs and the private sector, and its data-driven approach".
Argüden Governance Academy "Civil Engagement from Disaster to Development" Project Coordinator Dr. İnan İzci and Project Research Coordinator Dr. Erkin Erimez from the project team emphasized in their presentations how the model can be used as an evaluation tool. Furthermore, Dr. İzci stated that "When the Model is used, it will help the to achieve more holistic, inclusive, and effective results for the improvement and reconstruction efforts. Therefore, it is a priority to support the public, private and civil society sectors to act in unity and trust." Explaining how the functioning and scoring system of the Model© works, Dr Erimez underlined the Model’s emphasis on transparency, accountability, as the most important features. Inclusive stakeholder engagement and effective resource utilization are the keys to build a resilient and sustainable future.”
Following the introduction of the Model, Senior Research Fellow at Istanbul Policy Centre and Lecturer at Boğaziçi University, Department of Economics Prof. Dr. Fikret Adaman, 8artı Urban Design and Consultancy Co-Founder Prof. Dr. Sertaç Erten, TESEV Good Governance Consultant Fikret Toksöz and Argüden Governance Academy "Civil Engagement from Disaster to Development" Project Research Coordinator Dr. Erkin Erimez took part as speakers in the panel moderated by Dr. İnan İzci.
About Argüden Governance Academy
Argüden Governance Academy is a non-profit foundation dedicated to enhancing governance quality in the public, civil society, private sector, and international institutions. The Academy’s mission is to improve the quality of governance to increase trust for organizations in order to achieve a sustainable future and improve the quality of life. With the vision of being a center of excellence’ for development and widespread adoption of good governance culture, the Academy brings together leaders from all age groups, private sector, civil society organizations, public institutions, and international organizations.
Since 2014, the Academy has completed a decade of impactful initiatives, striving to foster the development and widespread adoption of a culture of trust at public, private, and civil society organizations.
In its 10-year journey, the Academy, fostering trust in institutions through a holistic and integrated governance approach, has:
• Organized more than 100 training programs, graduating approximately 6,000 individuals.
• Evaluated the governance quality of around 1,500 institutions in 25 projects.
• Published over 100 publications, reports, and articles that intellectually guide the development of governance.
• Engaged with over 100,000 individuals through more than 350 events, contributing to the internalization of the culture of good governance in both individuals and institutions.
• Enhanced the value created by collaborating with over 350 institutions active in every sector.
• Leveraged in-kind contributions to the maximum extent, utilizing every 1$ of cash donation to raise a 1.5$ in-kind contribution. This approach enabled the implementation of activities with an economic cost of 2.5$ for each 1$ of donation.
• Benefited from the support of hundreds of volunteers who, believing in the importance of good governance for a sustainable future, contributed over 35,000 volunteer working hours to the Academy's initiatives.
The Academy conducts impact research such as Sustainability Governance Scorecard©, Municipality Governance Scorecard©, and develops Local Development Guides, Integrated Municipality Governance Model©, as well as developing and conducting education programs for public, corporate, and NGO leaders. Academy’s education programs also target children and youth, and a vibrant Youth Network has been developed covering 40 universities in over 20 cities.
The Academy also conducts good governance advocacy programs such as leading the process of awarding the European Label of Governance Excellence (ELoGE) and School on Participatory Democracy, in collaboration with international organizations such as the Council of Europe.
Argüden Governance Academy is the first Turkish institution to adopt Integrated Reporting and a global pioneer among the NGOs by reporting its activities as an Integrated Report since its founding. The Academy also promotes adoption of Integrated Reporting in the public sector and NGOs.