Introduction

Good governance appears as the most effective way to deal with the declining level of trust in democracy and public institutions.

Under the current global conditions, efforts for sustainable and inclusive development as well as improving the quality of life gain daily significance. We live in a transforming world. In this transformation, climate change, the effects of the Covid 19 pandemic, economic uncertainties, and increasing polarization are entangled with rising digitalization, innovations, and the struggles for sustainable development. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) report aptly summarizes our age as “Uncertain times, Unsettled Lives” in its title1. Similarly, the 2022 United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Report underlies the current phenomenon in which multiple crises intersect and we are faced with grave natural and social risks2. In short, these reports emphasize the necessity of a transformative perspective, mindset, methods, and tools given the planetary assessment of sustainable development and quality of life. In specific terms, good governance, by addressing these challenges and needs, appears as the most effective way to deal with the declining level of trust in democracy and public institutions.

To increase the trust level towards these institutions, good governance culture needs more than ever to be internalized and practiced at every organizational unit and process.

Improvement in the quality of life for all and the success of sustainable development efforts at global, national, and local levels both depend on effective partnership in the public, private, and civil society sectors. To adopt such an inclusive approach, both individuals and institutions need to reassess their perspectives, preferences, and behaviors. The administrative practices of public institutions are closely related with the concerns of all societal segments as these institutions hold public authority and resources. The restructuring and improvement of central and local governments are of paramount priority given the changing conditions and expectations. It is becoming necessary for public institutions to make their activities as long-term, holistic, inclusive and effective strategies. To increase the trust level towards these institutions, good governance culture needs more than ever to be internalized and practiced at every organizational unit and process.

For the full assessment of environmental, social and economic risks as well as opportunities, to make development sustainable and inclusive, and increase the quality of life for all, good governance culture and principles need to be adopted by all segments of society and institutions. The trust-based climate provided by good governance will allow the best use of decisions and resources for optimal outcomes at different sectors and institutions. Good governance supports better communication, relationships, and partnerships between different actors while effectively cooperatively governing risks. Good governance also improves the use of resources in the most inclusive and effective manner.

The direct and comprehensive implementation of a culture of good governance in everyday life starts at the local level, especially in cities, and most clearly, at the level of local governments. Cities should be thus regarded as the prime sites for improving democracy, development, and quality of life due to their population, economic activity, and as their inherent nature as areas of opportunity. Perhaps for the above reasons, urban populations have been constantly increasing. According to 2020 figures, 55% of the world population resides in cities3. In relation to this fact, the challenges and quests for solutions by cities are diversifying and increasing. The role and tasks of local governments have thus gained significance in dealing with environmental, social, and economic risks while ensuring sustainable development and increase in quality of life for all. Among local governments, municipalities are in direct contact with citizens due to their infrastructure investments, provision of clean water, waste management, and social and educational activities. Although in cities municipalities are not the sole governing actors, cities are by far the most important as they govern with democratic representation and are invested with various competencies and resources. Hence, municipalities are the leading stakeholder of cities and the most effective institution in implementing state policies and plans at the local level. Additionally, municipalities hold a critical position as they are the closest public institutions to citizens and providers of various services in everyday life.

Municipalities are the leading stakeholder of cities and the most effective institution in implementing state policies and plans at the local level.

The significance of cities and municipalities in achieving sustainable development and improved quality of life therefore necessitates stronger good governance at the local level. The improvement of good governance culture and practices by municipalities should be seen as a high priority in dealing with various environmental, economic, and social risks while ensuring sustainable development and a higher quality of life in cities. Ensuring a climate of trust between municipalities and citizens/other stakeholders is a determining factor in mobilizing a holistic, shared mindset and resource allocation in the planning and implementation processes. There is a general need to raise the level of trust within municipal stakeholders and processes as well as with external stakeholders for the deployment of data and participation based holistic, inclusive, and effective solutions. Raising the level of trust can be best addressed by diffusing and expanding a culture of good governance.

Municipalities that are transparent, accountable, participatory, consistent, and effective in their decision-making and working processes can increase the level of trust perceived by their citizens. A climate of good governance can allow municipalities to ensure better, increased, and comprehensive cooperation with the private sector, civil society, and academic stakeholders as well as mobilize collective activities towards shared objectives. Trust facilitates early and comprehensive identification of risks and opportunities with collective intelligence and also effective management of available resources. Mobilization of institutional, financial, physical, intellectual, cultural, and social capitals belonging to the public, private, and civil society actors for a collective objective and benefits produces more inclusive and sustainable solutions. The growth of trust mainly depends on the presence of a high regard for good governance and holistic implementation by municipalities.

The growth of trust mainly depends on the presence of a high regard for good governance and holistic implementation by municipalities.

In the current world, municipalities are expected to manage diverse issues and processes at the local level through their workings and activities. Some of them can be listed as follows:

  • Provision of necessary urban facilities (waste management, sanitation and so on)
  • Protection of environment, nature, and humans
  • Provision of social policy and services for the needs of diverse social groups
  • Protection of human rights and especially the rights of disadvantaged groups through working relationships and gender friendly policies directed at children, youth, the elderly, and disabled
  • Effective and beneficial deployment of resources
  • Support for local development while protecting natural, historical, and cultural heritage as well as the rights of future generations
  • Early identification of various risks (disaster, pandemic, unemployment, etc.) and ensuring the resilience of cities and municipal organizations
  • Decision making and implementing activities in accordance with the central government policies and plans while cooperating with other public sector institutions
  • Developing cooperation and implementing shared activities with civil society, the private sector and universities
  • Responding to emerging problems, needs, and demands because of ever-changing conditions.

Despite climate change, the Covid 19 pandemic, economic uncertainties and rising polarization, municipalities can effectively realize their goals towards sustainable development and quality of life by improving good governance.

As municipalities directly impact nature and individuals in various ways, these institutions need to improve good governance culture and practices to respond to and meet these expectations in a holistic, inclusive, and effective manner. Adopting such an approach enables municipalities to use their competences and resources provided by legislation so that they can address the expectations of citizens and other stakeholders. Fulfilling this role in a trust-based climate will increase the level of performance and stakeholder satisfaction. Despite climate change, the Covid 19 pandemic, economic uncertainties and rising polarization, municipalities can effectively realize their goals towards sustainable development and quality of life by improving good governance.

Good Governance

Good governance essentially rests upon the concept of trust. The success of institutions and their provision of expected benefits can be ensured through the trust of internal and external stakeholders. A climate of trust allows using the resources of others and access to a common pool of resources. Good governance can be realized by institutions with the application of certain principles to institutional structures, mechanisms, and tools.

Good governance essentially rests upon the concept of trust. The success of institutions and their provision of expected benefits can be ensured through the trust of internal and external stakeholders.

The adaptation of a good governance culture in municipal political, administrative, and fiscal operations as well as the application at governing stages requires the following:

  • Fair and inclusive assessment of all stakeholders’ needs and demands
  • An environment of inclusive and meaningful engagement and cooperation
  • Consistent, responsible, fair, and participatory decision-making and resource allocation
  • Sharing in a transparent and meaningful way to all stakeholders for the reasons and possible effects of decisions taken
  • Publication and accounting for the resources (inputs) used for the implementation of decisions, the achieved results (outputs), and the impacts on different groups to the stakeholders in a transparent and data-based manner
  • Measurement and evaluation of the effectiveness and efficiency of the decision-making processes
  • Institutional learning and openness to continuous development
  • Development of an integrated and consistent approach during institutional operations.

Good governance can be realized at any context and institution when there is a need to govern shared risks and benefits. Not only at public, private, and civil society sectors, even at the household level can the good governance principle be observed. A trusting environment results, one which allows the production of much better holistic, inclusive, effective, and sustainable values.

Quality of Good Governance at Municipalities and Its Label

There are various approaches and methods for improving the quality and degree of good governance at municipalities. Among the most comprehensive and measurable ones, the Council of Europe’s (CoE) approach comes to the top. The CoE was established in 1949 and currently 46 member countries are members of this international institution. Upon the decision and commitment of its member countries, the CoE works to strengthen democracy, human rights, and the rule of law in its member states.

Effective democracy and good governance at all levels are essential for preventing conflicts, promoting stability, facilitating economic and social progress, and hence for creating sustainable communities where people want to live and work, now and in the future.

On 16th October 2007, the Valencia Declaration was issued at the Ministerial Conference of its member states. This declaration was issued so that “effective democracy and good governance at all levels are essential for preventing conflicts, promoting stability, facilitating economic and social progress, and hence for creating sustainable communities where people want to live and work, now and in the future”4. The Declaration aims to promote good democratic governance and its 12 principles at the local level in the member states. These principles are:

  1. 1Participation, Representation, Fair Conduct of Elections
  2. 2Responsiveness
  3. 3Efficiency and Effectiveness
  4. 4Openness and Transparency
  5. 5Rule of Law
  6. 6Ethical Conduct
  7. 7Competence and Capacity
  8. 8Innovation and Openness to Change
  9. 9Sustainability and Long-Term Orientation
  10. 10Sound Financial Management
  11. 11Human Rights, Cultural Diversity and Social Cohesion
  12. 12Accountability

In 2008, following this Declaration, the CoE also issued the Strategy for Innovation and Governance at the Local Level to implement these principles. This Strategy expresses the notion that good governance is required at all public sector institutions and the local level is the most appropriate scale. The main goal of the Strategy is defined as “mobilization of all stakeholders at national and local levels to provide the benefits of governance at a local level”. Furthermore, three objectives are specified to achieve the Strategy:

Bu stratejinin ulaşmayı hedeflediği üç temel nokta ise şöyle sıralandı:

  1. 1Citizens are placed at the heart of all democratic institutions and processes.
  2. 2Local authorities constantly improve their governance in accordance with the 12 governance principles.
  3. 3States create and maintain institutional preconditions for the improvement of governance at the local level.

The vision and strategy developed by the CoE puts citizens at the heart of local democracy, prioritizes democratic participation and public ethics, and improves the local governance approach that meets the changing demands of citizens. To measure and recognize the quality of the standard based on the 12 governance principles, the Centre of Expertise for Good Governance generated the European Label of Governance Excellence (ELoGE) Benchmark. Within this scope, the level of good governance is measured relying on the 12 principles and corresponding 97 indicators with the evidence submitted by local authorities. Municipalities which fulfill the necessary threshold are awarded the Label. It aims to continuously improve good governance at municipalities and increase the level of governance standards.

Integrated Municipality Governance Model

Although the CoE provides various tools and good practices for acquiring ELoGE, municipalities need a model to holistically implement the Label and continuously improve. The Argüden Governance Academy in partnership with the Centre of Expertise for Good Governance of the CoE as well as the Marmara Municipalities Union, Sultanbeyli and Şişli Municipalities have completed a project where the Academy developed the Integrated Municipality Governance Model (IMGM) to implement integrated good governance in municipalities and continuously improve.

The aim of developing the IMGM was to holistically operationalize and make effective good governance in the municipalities’ organizational structure and governing stages with a view to contribute towards the efforts for sustainable development and increasing the quality of life.

The aim of developing the IMGM was to holistically operationalize and make effective good governance in the municipalities’ organizational structure and governing stages with a view to contribute towards the efforts for sustainable development and increasing the quality of life.

The main function of the Model is the adoption of all good governance principles at the political, administrative, and fiscal structures of municipalities and their governing processes while regularly measuring it for improvement. In the end, the Model can guide implementing and acquiring the ELoGE in a practical manner as well as continually hold to it.

Integrated Municipality Governance Model

The IMGM aims to achieve the following four objectives:

  1. 1Strengthening good governance culture at the local level in general and holistically at municipalities in specific
  2. 2Facilitating the standardization of the quality of governance by municipalities and contributing to the acquisition of an international label in recognition of these efforts
  3. 3Operationalization of all good governance principles at all governing processes and steps with an integrated governance approach
  4. 4Continuously and holistically improving good governance at municipalities through measurement

The improvement of good governance at municipalities would serve to increase decision-making, resource use, and quality of service delivery as well as continuous institutional development.

The Model should be seen as a governance innovation for the implementation of the CoE’s good governance principles. Also, the IMGM can be considered a tool for acquiring the European Label of Governance Excellence which aims to standardize the quality of governance at local authorities. This process would contribute to the strengthening of good governance at institutional structures, processes, and practices in a practical manner. The improvement of good governance at municipalities would serve to increase decision-making, resource use, and quality of service delivery as well as continuous institutional development. In summary, the IMGM contributes to sustainable development, the quality of life, and democratization via the betterment of local policy making and service delivery.

Integrated governance and the Model that reflects this presuppose approaching good governance principles in a holistic manner. This approach is designed to implement good governance principles at municipal structures and workings in an integrated way and supports the continuous development of the quality standard of governance towards excellence. Through these steps, the efforts for sustainable development and quality of life are expected to increase through introducing the notion of excellence in governance at municipalities.

With the implementation and continuous improvement of good governance principles holistically, consistently, and effectively at all municipal structures, processes and practices, achievement of the following benefits is anticipated:

  • Continuous improvement of the level of trust between municipalities and citizens
  • Early, comprehensive, and effective identification of various (environmental, economic, social etc.) risks and benefits at the local level
  • Holistic, inclusive, and participatory design and delivery of services, investments, and all activities
  • Responding to the problems, needs, and demands of various social groups and individuals in the fastest, most holistic, and inclusive ways
  • Stimulating the use of data, evidence, and measurement methods in decision-making and resource use
  • Strengthening institutional agility and resilience with continuous learning
  • Balancing short-, medium-, and long-term decisions and activities
  • Optimization of communication, cooperation, and coordination between municipal governing layers and units
  • Institutional use and development of fiscal, human, technological and other capitals effectively and efficiently with a focus on impact
  • Strengthening the practices of local democracy, the right to city, and active citizenship
  • Effective daily implementation of economic, social, and cultural civic rights
  • Achieving holistic, consistent, and effective communication and cooperation with citizens, civil society actors, and other stakeholders
  • Strengthening and diffusion of the good practices on good governance between municipalities
  • Increasing consistency of global and national policies and plans

IMGM is designed to be implemented by different countries to contribute to the improvement of good governance at global, national, and local scales.

All the above listed benefits allow municipalities, as democratic local public institutions, to fulfill their roles more comprehensively and effectively in improving sustainable development and the quality of life for all.

It is also necessary to underline the fact that the IMGM is designed to be implemented by different countries to contribute to the improvement of good governance at global, national, and local scales.

1 https://www.undp.org/egypt/publications/human-development-report-2021-22-uncertain-times-unsettled-lives-shaping-our-future-transforming-world

2 https://unstats.un.org/sdgs/report/2022/The-Sustainable-Development-Goals-Report-2022.pdf

3 OECD/European Commission, Cities in the World: A New Perspective on Urbanisation (Paris: OECD Publishing, 2020),https://doi.org/10.1787/d0efcbda-en

4 https://www.ftr-bg.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Valencia_Declaration_MCL-1520075final_EN.pdf