As part of the preparatory work for the 12th Development Plan, the Presidency of Strategy and Budget brought together the public sector, private sector, civil society representatives, and academia, forming 54 special commissions and 26 working groups. Civil society was evaluated within the special commission titled “Civil Society Organizations in the Development Process.” Prepared in 2023, the report was published this month on the website of the Presidency of Strategy and Budget of the Republic of Türkiye.
The report highlights that development is multidimensional, encompassing economic, social, and environmental challenges, and stresses that civil society must play an active role in addressing them. It emphasizes the role of civil society in sustainable development and presents detailed recommendations on freedom of association, volunteering policies, and financial reforms.
Civil Society’s contribution is critical for sustainable development
Referencing the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) announced in 2015, the report underlines that stronger cooperation between CSOs, the public sector, and the private sector is critical for achieving these goals. It also recalls the importance of civil society within Türkiye’s EU accession process:
“The EU, with which we began accession negotiations in 2005, regards strong civil society as an essential component of democracy. Therefore, it is important to establish the necessary legal and financial frameworks to develop and strengthen civil society.”
The report stresses that for CSOs to grow and effectively participate in the development process, freedom of expression, association, and assembly must be ensured, while also reminding the state of both its negative obligations (non-interference) and positive obligations (to take reasonable and appropriate measures enabling rights).
Freedom of association requires an enabling environment
For CSOs to contribute effectively to the development process, the report emphasizes the importance of ensuring an enabling environment for freedom of association.
It notes that the Law on the Prevention of Financing the Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction (No. 7262), which came into effect in December 2020, grants broad powers to public authorities that may restrict or obstruct civil society activities. Provisions on inspections, investigations, and data collection are highlighted as potentially limiting freedom of association.
Legal reforms and participation mechanisms needed
The report states that civil society’s contribution to policymaking and decision-making processes remains limited. While mechanisms for CSO–public cooperation exist, positive examples of their use are rare, and consultation processes remain restricted in most cases.
“Effective mechanisms must be developed to enable CSOs to contribute their expertise to public decision-making and legislation processes. Any election processes and the evaluation of submitted opinions should be transparent.”
It also emphasizes gaps in existing legislation regulating CSO participation, noting that the multiplicity of regulations prepared by different authorities makes compliance particularly challenging for organizations working across multiple fields.
Financial reform is essential for civil society
The report underscores the very limited financial capacity of CSOs and calls for comprehensive reforms on public support, tax incentives, and innovative financing models. Currently, only a limited number of organizations benefit from tax exemption and public-benefit status.
It also highlights that donations and international funds remain the main financial sources for CSOs, while revenues of both associations and foundations are significantly lower compared to developed countries. The report references commission members’ criticisms of the distinction between “aid” and “donation,” calling for simplified procedures based on notification rather than permission.
International funds are described as an important resource, but negative labeling of organizations receiving such funds is said to lead to isolation and reduced productivity.
According to 2021 data from the Directorate General for Relations with Civil Society, donations account for 31% of associations’ income, followed by international assistance at 27%.
Local capacity building is equally important
The report stresses that for development to be comprehensive, the capacities of local CSOs must also be strengthened, not just central organizations.
Despite an increase in the number of associations and foundations in recent years, the report notes that CSOs in Türkiye still have limited social impact compared to developed countries. Strengthening their legitimacy and their ties to the communities they represent is seen as crucial for active citizenship and a stronger civil society.
Volunteering policies need to be improved
While volunteering has grown, the report highlights that participation remains limited relative to the population. It calls for policies to support diverse forms of volunteering, such as retiree volunteering (silver volunteering) and pro bono volunteering by professionals.
It also stresses the importance of defining volunteering and collecting data on volunteering practices. The draft Civil Society Strategy Document and Action Plan (2024–2028), prepared by the Directorate General for Relations with Civil Society, includes measures to promote volunteering and collect regular data across different CSO types.
Addressing polarization and embracing digital transformation
The report highlights how social polarization is mirrored in civil society, where CSOs often avoid engaging with groups that hold different views. It stresses that dialogue across thematic areas and cooperation with diverse stakeholders would strengthen the impact of civil society.
Digital transformation, noted as one of the EU’s long-term priorities along with climate change and the circular economy, is also emphasized as a key trend for civil society. While risks such as cyberattacks and weakening volunteer spirit are noted, opportunities for digital democracy—such as online petitions, campaigns, and voting—are also acknowledged.
Who was on the commission?
The special commission was chaired by Ahmet Türköz from the Ministry of Interior, with Assoc. Prof. Özge Zihnioğlu from the University of Liverpool serving as rapporteur.
Members included representatives from public institutions, universities, and a wide range of CSOs and platforms, including the Local Youth Associations Network (YGDA), TÜSİAD, TEGV, DİSK, TESEV, MÜSİAD, TÜRK-İŞ, İlke Association for Science Culture and Education, TİSK, Civil Society Hub, TİHEK, TÜSEV, HAK-İŞ, AÇEV, and EtkiYap.
You can download and review the full Special Commission Report on Civil Society Organizations in the Development Process.