Building Trust through Good Governance

Argüden Governance Academy hosted the Building Trust through Good Governance conference on Tuesday, November 5, at the Pera Museum. The conference featured insights from thought leaders on governance from the public sector, private sector, civil society organizations, and think tanks.

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The Model provides a tool to measure the quality of processes to build trust at every stage.

Building Trust through Good Governance

Building trust in institutions is becoming a global priority. Reflecting this, the World Economic Forum’s Davos 2024 meeting has chosen Rebuilding Trust as its main theme. Similarly, the OECD has prioritized trust-building, launching a Global Forum on the subject. The OECD’s 2024 Trust Survey, released this year, indicates a slight decline in public trust in national governments. Also, this year’s Nobel Economic Prize was awarded to academic studies showing the relationship between trust in institutions and wealth of nations.

These global developments highlighted the vital role of trust in improving quality of life and advancing sustainable development. In response, Argüden Governance Academy hosted the Building Trust through Good Governance conference on Tuesday, November 5, at the Pera Museum. The conference featured insights from thought leaders on governance from the public sector, private sector, civil society organizations, and think tanks.

The Civil Engagement Model^© developed by the Academy, a robust framework designed to help various institutions enhance stakeholder/citizen trust, was also presented at the Conference.

Orhan Turan, Chairman of TUSIAD and Prof. Metin Çakmakçı, Chairman of the Academy’s Board delivered the opening speeches, and after the opening speeches, Vice-Chair of the Academy Pınar Ilgaz presented the Civil Engagement Model^©.

In the pursuing panel discussion moderated by Dr. Yılmaz Argüden, Prof. Ömer Dinçer, former undersecretary of the Prime Ministry, Ahmet Dördüncü, Chairman of UN Global Compact Türkiye, Erdal Yıldırım, Chairman of TÜSEV, and Fikret Toksöz, Trustee and Senior Advisor of TESEV took part as speakers.

Orhan Turan, Chairman of Turkish Industry & Business Association (TUSIAD) stated that; “Civil society organizations play an essential role in building trust in the public sector. Collaborating with these organizations, particularly those with specialized expertise, can help address national challenges and strengthen participatory democracy, thereby increasing trust in the state. To foster this collaboration, participation mechanisms must be enhanced. It is crucial that not only public institutions, but also private organizations and civil society groups adopt the principles of good governance and consider the interests of all stakeholders in decision-making processes.”

Prof. Metin Çakmakçı, Chairman of the Academy’s Board, stated that; “Argüden Governance Academy goes beyond mere identification and diagnosis of declining trust, to focus on the processes that build trust. It defines the essential steps needed to build trust and assesses their presence or absence. In this context, the developed Civil Engagement Model^© offers an effective measurement system for any institution seeking to enhance stakeholder trust.”

Prof. Ömer Dinçer, former undersecretary of the Prime Ministry, stated that, “A robust democracy flourishes in an environment where individuals' voices are heard, their demands are acknowledged, and their concerns are resolved. Thus, implementing good governance practices not only safeguards today’s social peace and stabilization but also fosters future democratic resilience and social harmony.”

Ahmet Dördüncü, Chairman of UN Global Compact Türkiye, stated that, “Good governance is not merely a management model; it is a framework of principles that encompasses elements such as transparency, accountability, inclusiveness, and ethical values that build trust. Effectively establishing and internalizing the concept of good governance within institutions is essential for fostering long-term corporate trust and achieving sustainable success. As UN Global Compact Türkiye, we provide training, resources, and tools to assist companies in implementing good governance practices. Large companies play a vital role in advancing the understanding of good governance throughout all sectors. The Transformational Governance Self-Assessment Tool serves as a guide for companies on how to begin this journey.”

Erdal Yıldırım, Chairman of Third Sector Foundation of Türkiye (TUSEV), stated that “Civil society organizations play a crucial role in building public trust by embedding good governance principles -like transparency and consistency- into their operations. Trust is a key factor that shapes the enduring impact of these organizations on society. To create a sustainable social impact, NGOs must communicate effectively, ensuring that their work is both visible and well-understood. By openly addressing societal issues and engaging in solutions with genuine intent, civil society organizations can reinforce the trust that is foundational to their mission.”

Fikret Toksöz, Trustee and Senior Advisor of Turkish Economic and Social Studies Foundation (TESEV), stated that “Assessment is the first step toward learning and growth. Accurately identifying issues and challenges is essential when assessing progress. In local governance, assessment is particularly challenging in three key areas: zoning plans, employment, and procurement practices. Sound evaluation in these areas is critical to fostering a more transparent and accountable approach to governance. Additionally, strengthening participatory democracy is vital to these efforts, as it empowers communities to engage more actively in decision-making processes, helping to achieve these governance goals.”