ISTANBUL  COVENANT    We,  the  signatories  of  this  covenant,  want  to  assume  our  civic  responsibility  and  participate  in  decisions  concerning  the  development,  administration  and  future  of  Istanbul.  We  take  our  city  to  heart  and  we  demand  that  those  who  aspire  to  administer  Istanbul  do  so  as  well.  We  unanimously  vow  to  ensure  that  local  candidates,  from  all  political  parties,  work  in  accordance  with  the  following  basic  principles.    A  NEW  INCLUSIVE  APPROACH  TO  GOVERNING    Recognition  that  participating  in  the  administration  of  our  city  is  every  individual’s  right  and  responsibility.  Commitment  by  local  officials  to  enabling  these  rights,  regardless  of  citizens’  beliefs,  identities,  political  views  or  parties,  by  creating  the  necessary  participatory  vehicles.  Local  governance  of  every  street,  every  neighborhood  and  every  county,  instead  of  by  a  central  authority.  City  administration  at  all  levels  is  committed  to  ensuring  integrity,  transparency  and  accountability.  Establishment  of  the  necessary  constitutional  and  legal  amendments  to  provide  local  authorities,  first  and  foremost,  with  access  to  financial  resources,  to  empower  them  and  to  enable  them  to  work  efficiently.  Determination  of  the  city  budget  on  all  levels  with  the  active  participation  of  the  citizens  of  Istanbul.        AS  ISTANBUL  CHANGES,  WE  NEED  TO  REDEFINE  CITIZEN  RIGHTS    The  right  to  housing,  health,  education,  transportation,  culture  and  access  to  the  city’s  resources  is  a  fundamental  human  right.  Local  authorities’  primary  responsibility  is  to  ensure  that  everyone  who  lives  in  Istanbul  has  access  to  these  resources  in  the  most  convenient  manner  and  at  minimum  cost.  Local  authorities  minimize  risks  and  hazards  to  residents  by  preparing  comprehensive  emergency  preparedness  action  plans  for  all  types  of  foreseeable  disasters  and  execute  them  accordingly.  Urban  transformation  projects  reflect  a  new  commitment  to  citizen  rights.  They  are  executed  after  considering  all  social,  cultural  and  local  fabric,  without  divesting  citizens’  property,  with  a  view  to  protecting  their  rights,  ensuring  participation  of  dwellers  and  without  displacing  anyone.  Local  authorities  provide  for  the  timely,  safe  and  secure  transportation  of  all  children,  seniors,  pedestrians,  cyclers  and  disabled  citizens  to  their  desired  destination.  Local  authorities  recognize  that  women  have  a  fundamental  right  to  freely  participate  in  the  public  sphere  without  discrimination.  Officials  have  an  obligation  to  plan  and  implement  a  wide  range  of  measures  and  incentives  that  promote  broad  participation  by  women,  enabling  them  to  engage  in  social,  cultural,  public  life  and  to  work  in  a  just  and  equal  manner.  

Local  authorities  develop  programmes  with  the  central  government  and  civic  organizations  that  enable  all  children  to  live  in  a  healthy  and  safe  environment,  to  protect  and  support  their  rights  without  any  discrimination.  Local  authorities  ensure  the  right  of  all  citizens  to  freely  express  their  identities,  beliefs  and  culture  and  to  counter  all  forms  of  discrimination  and  violence.  Local  authorities  ensure  the  development  of  city  culture  in  the  respect  of  creativity  and  plurality.  Local  authorities  encourage  Istanbul  residents  and  non-­‐profit  organizations  to  propose  public  projects.  Local  authorities  reserve  a  portion  of  the  municipal  budget  to  support  training,  development  and  presentation  of  all  forms  of  artistic  activity.  All  animals  that  we  share  our  city  with  have  the  right  to  live  a  healthy  and  decent  life  in  sheltered  conditions.  The  protection  of  this  right  is  among  the  fundamental  responsibilities  of  local  authorities.      REVIVE  OUR  TIES  WITH  THE  PAST:    Istanbul  is  a  world  heritage  city.  With  its  rich  natural  resources,  cultural  and  historic  assets,  it  belongs  not  only  to  the  citizens  of  Istanbul  but  to  all  humanity.  Istanbul’s  cultural  and  natural  heritage  will  be  protected  in  accordance  with  internationally  recognized  best  practices.    Authorities  have  the  obligation  to  protect  historical  sites  in  a  democratic,  informed,  pluralist  manner  that  respects  all  cultures.  The  planning  of  renovation  projects  in  historical  heritage  sites  should  take  into  consideration  the  site’s  historic  integrity,  the  socio-­‐economic  impact  of  those  living  in  the  area,  as  well  as  their  fundamental  rights:  first  and  foremost,  their  right  not  to  be  displaced.      ENVISION  A  FUTURE  TOGETHER:    Local  authorities  protect  the  seas,  forests,  water  basins,  agricultural  areas  and  all  living  beings  that  are  vital  to  Istanbul’s  present  and  future.  They  do  not  disrupt  Istanbul’s  natural  geography.  They  reject  projects  that  jeopardise  the  well-­‐being  of  Istanbul.  Parks,  ports,  coasts,  squares,  green  areas  and  military  zones,  as  well  as  all  public  property  that  we  as  the  citizens  of  Istanbul  use  or  may  use  in  the  future  cannot  be  privatised  or  opened  to  construction.  They  should  be  protected  and  reserved  for  recreational,  cultural,  artistic  and  sports  activities  by  the  city’s  inhabitants.  Local  authorities  acknowledge  the  value  of  human  capital  and  invest  in  the  development  of  labour,  knowledge  and  skills  in  all  ways.  City  plans  are  developed  through  the  broadest  participation  possible,  in  a  pluralist,  innovative  and  holistic  manner,  striking  a  balance  between  environmental  concerns  and  people’s  needs.  Innovative  solutions  are  reached  by  working  collaboratively.  City  planning  employs  a  methodology  where  the  processes  are  mutually  supportive,  from  the  developing  of  information  to  conceptualization  and  implementation,  with  continually  updated  follow-­‐up  and  assessments.  Transparency  and  accountability  are  essential  in  follow-­‐ups  and  for  monitoring  plans.  

Local  authorities  place  the  principle  of  ecological  sustainability  at  the  centre  of  all  their  plans,  projects  and  implementations.  They  prepare  and  implement  the  necessary  infrastructure  for  environmentally  sound  development  and  consumption  practices,  recycling  and  renewable  energies.  The  impact  of  decisions  on  Istanbul  is  taken  into  consideration  by  conducting  “impact  assessment”  studies  and  the  conclusions  are  shared  with  the  residents.  We,  the  citizens  of  Istanbul,  as  the  signatories  of  this  COVENANT,  declare  that  we  shall  do  our  utmost  to  uphold  the  concept  and  methodology  of  city  administration  fostered  by  this  covenant  at  all  times  in  our  neighbourhoods,  in  our  counties  and  in  the  city  as  a  whole,  to  strive  to  have  this  approach  adopted  by  politicians  who  run  for  office  in  local  elections  and  to  monitor  the  work  carried  out  by  the  elected  officers  in  accordance  with  this  new  approach  to  governing.    http://istanbulhepimizin.org