An analysis of the activities of the Union of Turkish World Municipalities from the perspective of sustainable development

Global problems such as global warming, climate change, desertification, biodiversity loss, deforestation have caused many natural and biological disasters. Disasters threaten sustainable development by shrinking living spaces. The solution of global problems is expected to be supported by international principles and policies that countries and urban governments will develop. For this reason, in 2015, the United Nations published the document “Agenda 2030: Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)”. The document includes 17 goals, 169 targets. In many ways, the objectives are within the scope of duties and responsibilities of local governments, especially municipalities. In this study, the Union of Turkish World Municipalities (TDBB) was chosen as an example. The aim of the study is to examine whether the activities of the association are compatible with the SDGs. Using a qualitative research method, the activity reports of the TDBB between 2016-2022 were analyzed through content analysis. The union’s activity headings were grouped to determine whether they fall under the SDGs, and the alignment of the activities with the goals and the level at which they correspond were identified. The findings were presented using conceptual mapping techniques. It is believed that the results of the study will guide the planning of the union’s future activities.