Arguden Governance Academy, a non-profit foundation dedicated to improving governance quality across the public, non‑profit, private, and international organizations, unveiled the Civil Engagement Evaluation Model in a meeting attended by representatives from public institutions, NGOs, and academia on May 9 in Istanbul. The model, developed within the scope of Arguden Governance Academy’s Civil Engagement from Disaster to Development (AKSE) project, focused on good governance in pre- and post-disaster decision-making and implementation processes.
Post-disaster activities should address immediate needs and consider long-term development goals, according to Dr. Yilmaz Arguden, Chairman of the Trustees of Arguden Governance Academy. “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,” Arguden said during his speech at the event.
The project, supported by the Kahramanmaras Earthquake Direct Support Fund, endeavors to promote sustainable development and quality of life by integrating principles of good governance into the reconstruction efforts of 11 provinces hit by the February 6 twin quakes. The fund was established in collaboration between the Support Foundation for Civil Society and the Turkey Mozaik Foundation.
“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,” Arguden noted. “We aim to foster a more resilient society and livable cities by promoting good governance and civil engagement in all pre-and post-disaster processes,” he added.
TO FACILITATE CIVIL PARTICIPATION IN DISASTER PROCESSES
The project aims to improve civil engagement quality in participatory governance processes, in line with a good governance culture. Developed with the understanding that “You cannot improve what you do not measure,” the model aims to facilitate the effective implementation of an inclusive and meaningful civil participation approach in all decision-making and the implementation of pre- and post-disaster processes.
According to Betul Selcen Ozer, General Manager of the Support Foundation for Civil Society, the model will provide an important space for civil society communication, especially in reconstruction efforts. “What makes this project special for us is its focus on good governance, active citizen participation by involving the public sector, NGOs, and the private sector, and its data-driven approach,” she noted.
AKSE Project Coordinator Dr. Inan Izci and AKSE Project Research Coordinator Dr. Erkin Erimez delivered presentations about how the model can be used as an evaluation tool. Following their presentations, Senior Research Fellow at Istanbul Policy Center and Lecturer at Bogazici University, Department of Economics Prof. Dr. Fikret Adaman, 8arti Urban Design and Consultancy Co-Founder Prof. Dr. Sertac Erten, Turkish Economic and Social Studies Foundation (TESEV) Good Governance Consultant Fikret Toksoz and Dr. Erkin Erimez took part as speakers in a panel moderated by Dr. Inan Izci.