Conclusion

The improvement of good governance on the municipal level is anticipated to contribute to increases in sustainable development and quality of life in the city, country, and worldwide.

We are experiencing an age where the need for good governance grows daily. Countries, large and small, grapple with challenges and risks of varying degrees, all while attempting to protect and further sustainable development as well as the overall quality of life. At this juncture, the significance of cities and the role of municipalities are becoming more critical in addressing these issues. Cities, for example, directly feel the effects of global environmental, economic, and social changes. Expanded roles and responsibilities fall upon the shoulders of municipalities as they deal with climate change, protecting natural resources and human lives as these institutions ensure sustainable development and increase the quality of life for its citizens. This claim is supported by the fact that according to an estimate by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), achieving the Sustainable Development Vision of 2030 depends upon the implementation of subnational (regional and local) authorities at a 65% rate¹. Additionally, the position of local authorities has gained prominence in reducing social inequalities, the prevention of social polarization, and the protection and furthering of democracy. These responsibilities have primarily fallen on municipalities to formulate holistic, inclusive, and effective local solutions appropriate to local conditions and opportunities. Therefore, the improvement of good governance on the municipal level is anticipated to contribute to increases in sustainable development and quality of life in the city, country, and worldwide.

By taking this reality as a reference point, Argüden Governance Academy has developed the Integrated Municipality Governance Model (IMGM). With this tool, the Academy aims to approach good governance at municipalities in a holistic manner, implement, and continuously improve governance practices. The Council of Europe’s (CoE) good governance improvement vision promulgated in 2008 and the European Label of Governance Excellence (ELoGE) was taken as the foundation for the IMGM. The development of the Model incorporated the approaches of the United Nations (UN, the OECD, the European Foundation of Quality Management (EFQM), and other international organizations as well as the Argüden Governance Academy’s models and publications such as the Municipality Governance Scorecard.

All these efforts are expected to support the strengthening of good governance at the local level in the member countries of the CoE. Under the leadership of the Argüden Governance Academy and partnership of the CoE, the Marmara Municipalities Union, the Sultanbeyli and Şişli Municipalities, the Integrated Municipality Governance Model was piloted within the scope of a joint project. During this project, the Model was tested in terms of where it can be implemented, how, and by whom. IMGM proved its use value and delivered the expected benefits at the conclusion of the piloting period.

IMGM was designed and developed for the use of local governments in different countries. The implementation of the Model in various settings is expected to contribute to further sustainable development and quality of life for all throughout the globe. Working as a center of excellence, Argüden Governance Academy has broken new ground in the area of good governance through its application of the Model as an innovative tool. The Academy has put forward a model for governance measurement, integrated institutionalization, and continuous improvement at the local level. Furthermore, during the piloting process at the Sultanbeyli and Şişli Municipalities, the Academy has proved the usefulness of the Model.

In conclusion, the Academy maintains the premise that good governance at municipalities would improve with the implementation of this model in different countries, a process which will contribute to better governance of local environmental, economic, and social risks and opportunities through a holistic, inclusive, and effective manner. The implementation of the Model within different countries would also serve to the promotion and adoption of the European Label of Governance Excellence at different locales and countries. Through this process, we believe that the benefits of good governance strengthen the efforts for building a more sustainable and liveable future.

Upon the adoption and implementation of the Model, the inclusion of new experiences and lessons seeks to update the Model as it relies upon new experiences and lessons that will increase its applicability to changing conditions and producing more effective results. The attributes of the Model are designed to enable it to be open to continuous improvement. Argüden Governance Academy’s main mission is to improve the quality of governance at public, private, and civil society sectors at local, national, and global levels. Hence, the Academy has adopted an agenda to develop new partnerships and projects for improving local governance in the near future.