Sesión 5. El buen gobierno de la ciudad: ¿Nuevos paradigmas?

Welcome to the Session

Introduction to the Thematic Session

• The fifth thematic session of the Colombian Chair on Citizenship, Integrity, and Anti-Corruption is introduced, focusing on good governance in cities.

• Special greetings are extended to participants from Central America, public officials, social organization members, and university students across Colombia.

Overview of the Session's Focus

• The second unit of the chair will examine urban governance challenges in Latin America with a focus on "Good Governance in Cities."

• Two distinguished guests are introduced: Professors Liliana Caballero and Lucía Álvarez. Each will have 35 minutes for their presentations followed by audience interaction.

Introduction of Dr. Liliana Caballero

Background and Credentials

• Dr. Liliana Caballero holds a doctorate in law, political science, and social sciences from Universidad Nacional de Colombia.

• She has held significant roles including Director of Public Function Department and Deputy Attorney General for Preventive Oversight in Colombia.

Contributions to Governance

• Dr. Caballero has been involved in numerous reforms related to public policy design and implementation across various sectors including higher education and public management.

• Currently serving as Secretary General of Bogotá’s Mayor's Office, she emphasizes her commitment to transparency and anti-corruption efforts.

Dr. Caballero's Insights on Governance

Cultural Change in Governance

• Acknowledges her previous role under former Mayor Antanas Mockus, highlighting his influence on transparency and citizen culture.

• Discusses ongoing challenges faced by the current government amidst recent crises like wildfires affecting Bogotá.

Framework for Good Governance

• Emphasizes that effective governance requires immediate engagement with citizens compared to national governments.

• Outlines her presentation titled "Bogotá: Trust in Your Government," indicating a structured approach covering context, pillars of modern governance, and conclusions.

Contextualizing Bogotá's Governance

Characteristics of Bogotá

• Describes Bogotá as Colombia’s capital district with unique characteristics established by the 1991 Constitution granting it autonomy.

Overview of Bogotá's Economic and Administrative Landscape

Economic Growth and Challenges

• Bogotá, as the capital of Colombia, has a 7.1% economic growth rate, highlighting its significance in the national economy.

• The city is home to most high-impact entrepreneurial ventures in Colombia, indicating a vibrant business environment despite numerous challenges.

Public Services and Responsibilities

• Bogotá faces complex responsibilities across various sectors such as health, education, and social integration amidst significant poverty gaps.

• Mobility and security are critical issues that shape public perception of government effectiveness in urban settings.

Governance Structure

• The city operates with 61 central public entities and 43 decentralized entities, emphasizing a structured governance model.

• Bogotá is divided into 20 localities managed by local alcaldías (mayors), which directly serve citizens through various neighborhood services.

Citizen Engagement and Service Delivery

• A robust citizen service network includes nine supercades (service centers), 24 cades (local service points), rapid service points, and immediate response lines for effective communication with residents.

• The administration employs around 66,000 staff members to manage these extensive responsibilities effectively.

Development Planning Initiatives

• The current administration is focused on developing a plan called "Bogotá Camina Segura," aimed at enhancing public management processes over the next few years.

• This development plan includes five objectives; one key goal emphasizes building trust between citizens and their government.

Institutional Complexity and Collaboration

• Effective governance requires inter-sectoral collaboration; no single issue can be resolved without coordination among different governmental sectors.

• Heads of sectors coordinate efforts within their respective areas while also participating in broader governmental councils to ensure comprehensive policy implementation.

Strategies for Improvement

• Three main strategies are being developed: modernizing governance for transparency, adopting quality evaluation practices for public spending, and fostering active citizen participation in decision-making processes.

• A focus on austerity measures aims to enhance budgetary efficiency during transitional periods while preparing the development plan.

Community Involvement in Planning

• The development plan construction involves significant community input through various channels to ensure diverse perspectives are considered.

Discussion on Public Administration and Citizen Participation

Overview of Development Proposals

• The discussion emphasizes that the focus is not on presenting a magical proposal or development plan but rather on engaging with the district council, which functions similarly to a congressional body.

• The speaker highlights strategies for citizen participation, including a chat tool named "chatico," reflecting local culture and fostering communication.

Cultural Context and Tools for Engagement

• The term "chatico" is derived from Bogotá's affectionate linguistic style, showcasing the city's cordiality while serving as an AI-driven tool for civic engagement.

• This virtual agent allows citizens, particularly in Bogotá, to interact with public servants who are crucial for implementing development commitments.

Strategies for Citizen Involvement

• Currently, there are 67,000 participants engaged through this platform, indicating significant public interest in governance.

• Another initiative called "Bogotá te escucha" collects citizen feedback via online portals, addressing complaints and proposals related to development plans.

Commitment to Transparency and Accountability

• The speaker stresses the importance of forums and dialogues where officials must explain their plans to community groups, ensuring transparency in government actions.

• A modern government should prioritize integrity and trust-building among citizens by addressing perceptions of corruption prevalent in Colombia and Latin America.

Importance of Citizen Responsibility

• Citizens must be active participants in governance; they should attend accountability sessions and engage meaningfully rather than merely voicing complaints.

• A cultural saying illustrates this point: if citizens do not participate actively ("quejarse al mono de la pila"), they cannot expect change or improvement.

Role of Public Servants

• Public service is framed as both a political right and a significant responsibility. Officials must recognize their duty towards citizens who fund their roles through taxes.

Key Concepts for a Modern Government

Importance of Service and Citizen Engagement

• The speaker emphasizes the significance of having an official vehicle as a symbol of service, highlighting that the essence of governance is to serve the citizens.

• Acknowledges the diverse audience tuning in from Central America, Germany, and other countries, stressing the need for sensitivity and closeness to citizen needs rather than traditional communication methods.

Pillars of a Modern Government

• The speaker outlines foundational pillars necessary for modern governance, focusing on respect for social state rights and serving citizens effectively.

• Stresses the importance of maintaining separation of powers while working harmoniously with various governmental branches to benefit citizens.

Accountability and Political Culture

• Discusses changing political customs to enhance public value and trust; emphasizes accountability in voting processes.

• Highlights the necessity for voters to remember their choices and demand accountability from elected officials.

Management of Public Resources

• Mentions that public resources are sacred, referencing notable figures like Mayor Mocus who advocate for responsible management.

• Emphasizes co-responsibility, participation, and self-regulation among citizens as crucial elements in governance.

Cultural Change through Innovation

• Introduces self-regulation as vital for cultural change within society; encourages proactive engagement rather than waiting for authorities to enforce regulations.

• Advocates building upon existing frameworks instead of reinventing systems; stresses learning from past actions to improve future governance.

Technology's Role in Governance

• Discusses integrating Big Data, artificial intelligence (AI), and innovation into public administration practices; aims at equipping all staff with necessary skills.

• Leadership development is essential; fostering capabilities among individuals can promote innovation within government structures.

Recognition and Inclusion in Public Service

• Calls for recognition of public servants such as firefighters and police officers; highlights societal pride in these roles as essential.

• Stresses merit-based entry into public service positions alongside inclusive practices that respect minority populations.

Values-Based Management

The Role of Public Administration in Serving the Community

Fundamental Goals of the State

• The primary purpose of public administration is to fulfill the fundamental goals of the state, which include serving the community and promoting general prosperity, equity, and equality as stated in the Constitution's preamble and Article 1.

Commitment to General Prosperity

• Public officials are not focused on ceremonial tasks or improving survey scores; their work centers around ensuring general prosperity and guaranteeing individual and collective rights through effective governance.

Citizen Engagement and Rights Access

• It is essential for citizens to fulfill their duties while having access to mechanisms that guarantee their rights. This requires efficient information dissemination, participation channels, and close communication.

Integrity in Public Service

• Colombia has implemented a code of integrity based on values that applies across all national and territorial entities. This model emphasizes meritocracy, integrity, cultural change, and making constitutional principles part of daily public service practices.

Importance of Prevention in Governance

• A strong focus on prevention is crucial for good governance. Preventive measures help mitigate corruption risks by fostering a culture where ethical behavior becomes routine among public servants.

Strategies for Effective Public Management

Emphasizing Prevention Over Punishment

• While it’s necessary to sanction corrupt acts when they occur, prioritizing preventive strategies can significantly reduce instances of corruption by addressing root causes before they manifest.

Understanding Risk Analysis

• Citizens must be educated about risk analysis related to governance. Recognizing how transparency in contracting processes serves as a preventive measure against corruption is vital for building trust.

Merit-Based Planning Models

• Colombia employs merit-based planning models at both national and local levels. Continuous measurement systems are critical for identifying areas needing improvement based on citizen feedback.

Data Management for Improvement

• Managing data effectively allows authorities to understand public perception better and address issues promptly. Regular assessments provide insights into performance metrics that guide improvements in service delivery.

Enhancing Citizen Interaction with Government

Cultural Change and Governance in Colombia

The Challenge of Corruption

• The speaker emphasizes the extensive legal framework in Colombia aimed at combating corruption, suggesting that if all laws were printed, they could cover a significant area like Plaza de Bolívar.

• Despite having numerous laws and policies, the speaker argues that these are insufficient without a cultural change to support them.

Importance of Cultural Change

• A shift in culture is deemed essential for achieving excellence in governance and ensuring ongoing evaluation and monitoring of public administration.

• The speaker references initiatives like "red hand" and "green hand" cards used to promote self-regulation among citizens, highlighting their role in fostering civic responsibility.

Behavioral Regulation Mechanisms

• Examples such as the use of black stars near pedestrian crossings illustrate the need for behavioral reminders to enhance public safety.

• Historical context is provided regarding seatbelt usage in Colombia, showcasing how societal attitudes towards safety regulations have evolved over time.

Integration of Laws, Morality, and Culture

• The discussion includes how laws should be complemented by moral standards and cultural norms to effectively regulate human behavior.

• Mutual regulation within communities is highlighted as crucial; individuals should feel social pressure to adhere to norms for effective governance.

Conclusions on Public Management

• The speaker concludes that cultural change can lead to modifications in collective habits and beliefs when it becomes socially visible and accepted.

Cultural Change and Innovation in Governance

Importance of Cultural Change

• Emphasizes the significance of cultural change and innovation strategies in governance, highlighting that common sense can often lead to effective cultural shifts.

• Stresses the necessity of commitment from managers to achieve meaningful changes within public institutions.

Key Insights on Good Governance

• Acknowledges Liliana's contributions regarding the pillars of good governance centered around citizen engagement, which serve as a foundational starting point for further discussions.

• Mentions the exploration of good governance concepts in urban settings, particularly focusing on their implications for city management.

Introduction to Professor Lucía Álvarez

• Introduces Professor Lucía Álvarez, a well-respected sociologist from UNAM with extensive research experience in citizenship and urban studies.

• Highlights her significant works addressing urban complexities and social dynamics within Mexico City.

Reflections on Government Missions

• Expresses gratitude for being invited to discuss shared governmental missions, noting historical references like Antanas Mockus as influential figures in urban governance.

Technical Difficulties During Presentation

• Describes initial challenges faced while attempting to share presentation materials during the session.

Understanding Local Governance in Large Cities

The Role of Public Servants

• The speaker appreciates Liliana's presentation, emphasizing the importance of viewing public officials as "servers" rather than just "functionaries," highlighting a significant perspective shift in governance.

Challenges of Urban Governance

• The discussion contrasts the experiences of large cities like Mexico City and Bogotá, noting that urban governance presents unique challenges due to their scale and complexity.

Local Government Dynamics

• The speaker aims to address the issues surrounding governing a city, focusing on local government structures and their democratic implications.

Proximity and Accessibility

• Local governments have an inherent advantage due to their proximity to citizens, allowing for better understanding and addressing of local needs compared to federal entities.

Social Demands in Urban Areas

• Acknowledging the diverse social fabric within large cities, the speaker notes that local governments must navigate varying demands from different demographic groups effectively.

Complexity of Urban Environments

• Emphasizing the need for a realistic approach to urban governance, the speaker points out that managing a large city is fundamentally different from governing smaller municipalities.

Characteristics of 21st Century Cities

• The speaker highlights key characteristics such as population growth, social diversity, and political complexity that define modern urban environments.

Migration Impact on City Structure

Local and Global Relationships in Urban Governance

Challenges for Local Governments

• The relationship between local and global dynamics presents a significant challenge for local governments, particularly in managing diverse societal demands that are often unequal.

• Internal segregation and social division of space complicate governance, leading to disputes over territory, resources, and public goods.

• Many urban local governments face limited autonomy and capabilities, often being subordinate to national authorities.

Autonomy in Urban Governance

• Bogotá is perceived to have more formal autonomy compared to other cities like Mexico City, which has gained some recent capabilities but still relies heavily on national conditions.

Democratic Governance Requirements

• Effective city governance hinges on the existence of an open and democratic government that can manage the interests of its diverse population.

• Traditional notions of good governance—such as efficiency, transparency, and accountability—are necessary but insufficient for modern urban challenges.

Transition from Governability to Governance

• A shift towards governance is essential; this involves moving beyond traditional government capacities to focus on relationships with society.

• Governance emphasizes collaboration among various actors rather than solely relying on governmental authority.

Key Concepts in Governance

• Unlike classical governability focused on government conditions, governance promotes a collaborative process involving multiple stakeholders.

• The act of governing should be viewed as a process that includes negotiation and cooperation with different social actors.

Co-responsibility in Governance

• A key aspect of effective governance is co-responsibility among all stakeholders involved in urban management.

• This new form of democracy requires an open relationship between government and society, fostering innovation through collaboration.

Mechanisms for Inclusion

• Implementing open mechanisms for engagement with various societal actors is crucial for effective urban governance.

General Policy on Citizen Participation

Differentiation in Policy Design

• The speaker emphasizes the necessity of differentiating policies, particularly in designing and promoting various forms of direct democracy and participatory democracy.

• Acknowledges the complexity and diversity of urban society, advocating for a conception that allows for multiple modalities of citizen participation.

Importance of Citizen Participation

• Highlights citizen participation as a central component not only of democracy but also governance, enhancing government legitimacy and effectiveness.

• Discusses how citizen involvement aids in addressing local issues by engaging citizens in public life regulation, including agenda setting and resource management.

Perspectives on Citizen Participation

• Defines citizen participation as an intermediary relationship between state and society, focusing on real intervention from individuals and groups in public activities.

• Identifies two complementary perspectives: strengthening civil society through self-organization and socializing politics via open spaces for interaction between state and social actors.

New Institutional Framework

• Emphasizes the need for new institutional frameworks to facilitate public management that is more accessible to societal demands.

• Discusses the importance of creating governmental instruments that allow citizens to engage effectively with public affairs.

Governance Strategy for Citizen Participation

• Describes a governmental strategy for citizen participation as essential yet often misunderstood; it should be concerted, regulated, and articulated from within the government.

Understanding Citizenship and Participation in Society

The Role of Responsibility in Citizenship

• Discusses the benefits of managing rights without a sense of co-responsibility, emphasizing the importance of belonging and full participation in society.

• Highlights the recognition of citizens as active members who influence public debate and are seen as responsible agents in public life.

Dimensions of Citizenship

• Explores citizenship as both a recognition of individuals as rights holders and their obligations towards their community at various levels (local, city).

• Stresses the need for citizens to have a commitment to their communities, promoting real social co-responsibility.

Formal vs. Substantive Citizenship

• Distinguishes between formal citizenship (legal membership, civic behavior) and substantive citizenship (effective inclusion in managing public resources).

• Argues that both dimensions are complementary; neither should be neglected in democratic construction.

Promoting Citizen Participation

• Suggests focusing on citizen participation as a governance approach that empowers individuals rather than treating them merely as beneficiaries.

• Emphasizes the necessity for elected governments to create participatory frameworks reflecting diverse social actors' needs.

Collaborative Governance Models

• Advocates for collaborative governance where citizen initiatives inform policy-making rather than solely relying on government institutions.

• Points out that effective citizen participation requires recognizing diverse experiences and knowledge from within society.

Types of Citizen Participation

• Identifies two types: institutionalized participation (representative democracy, direct democracy) and autonomous participation (independent civil society actions).

• Notes that autonomous participation has historically emerged from civil society, addressing various interests beyond governmental structures.

Addressing Diversity in Citizenship

• Urges acknowledgment of the diversity among citizens; not all share identical needs or identities.

Understanding Democratic Governance and Citizen Participation

Aligning Government Schemes with Reality

• The importance of aligning government schemes with the actual realities faced by citizens, particularly in large cities, rather than theoretical constructs.

Fostering a Democratic Ethos in Public Servants

• Emphasizes the need for public officials to cultivate a genuine democratic vocation, echoing sentiments shared by Liliana regarding the necessity of this perspective.

Training and Sensitization of Public Officials

• Highlights the critical need for effective training and sensitization among public servants, as not all possess this understanding. Acknowledges that while some governments may be democratic, this awareness is often lacking.

Valuing Citizen Participation

• Stresses that citizen participation should be a core strategy in democratic governance. This requires expanding institutional resources—human and budgetary—to support such engagement effectively.

Addressing Historical Control Practices

• Calls for an effective decentralization of government functions and management while eliminating entrenched practices like clientelism and corporatism that undermine democracy.

Designing Effective Instruments for Citizen Engagement

• Advocates for creating reliable tools that enable citizen involvement and accountability in decision-making processes, integrating public input into governance.

Challenges in Public Service Perception

Citizens' Distrust Towards Public Officials

• Discusses widespread perceptions among citizens that public officials prioritize personal interests over the common good, leading to distrust in their actions.

Inefficiency in Public Service Delivery

• Citizens often feel neglected by public officials who fail to deliver timely services or meet expectations, which affects their trust in governmental institutions.

Mechanisms for Citizen Interaction with State Services

• Explores how mechanisms for addressing citizen needs can improve relationships between the state and its constituents seeking assistance or urgent help.

Building Trust Between Citizens and Public Servants

Enhancing Civic Trust

• Questions how to foster greater trust among citizens towards their public servants while ensuring these officials embody a true sense of service.

Constitutional Framework Shifts

• Notes changes made since 1991 where "public servant" replaced "public official," emphasizing a shift towards accountability beyond mere compliance with duties outlined in manuals.

Encouraging Innovation Among Officials

The Importance of Commitment in Public Service

Enhancing Efficiency through Involvement

• Emphasizes the need for public servants to actively engage in their roles rather than merely fulfilling tasks. This involvement leads to greater efficiency.

• Highlights that understanding the significance of resolutions, especially those affecting citizens, is crucial for maintaining motivation and purpose in public service.

Building a Sense of Community and Responsibility

• Discusses the importance of explaining the purpose behind tasks to public servants, fostering a sense of commitment and collective effort towards serving citizens.

• Stresses that every employee, including porters, plays a vital role in creating a welcoming environment for citizens interacting with public services.

The Role of Attitude in Public Perception

• Notes that consistent positive interactions from all staff members can significantly impact how citizens perceive public services.

• Argues that genuine commitment from public servants affects thousands of lives, emphasizing the broader implications of their work beyond individual interests.

Recognizing Efforts and Achievements

• Points out that society often focuses on negative aspects while overlooking successful efforts; it’s essential to acknowledge all contributions made by public servants.

• Advocates for changing perceptions about government structures by recognizing that they are fundamentally about people serving others.

Trust and Political Will as Foundations for Change

• Introduces the idea that trust must be built through demonstrated political will and commitment from government officials.

• Suggests shifting away from bureaucratic attitudes towards more engaged governance focused on citizen needs.

Creating a Democratic Environment

• Calls for genuine democratic engagement where officials not only talk about participation but also embody it through actions and results.

• Emphasizes the necessity for leaders to show interest in community involvement as part of building closer relationships with citizens.

Challenges Facing Public Administration

• Acknowledges budget constraints impacting governmental operations while stressing the importance of connecting with communities despite these limitations.

• Reflecting on recent changes within local government leadership, indicating ongoing opportunities for improvement based on shared values among leaders.

Learning from Regional Examples

Enhancing Citizen Participation in Governance

The Importance of Citizen Involvement

• The discussion emphasizes the beauty of governing with citizen involvement, highlighting a need for deeper engagement beyond mere consultative participation.

• Effective citizen participation in decision-making is crucial; it should not be limited to perceptions but must involve genuine input and influence on governance.

Institutional Framework and Willingness

• Public officials, including government leaders, must actively engage with citizens to demonstrate commitment to participatory governance.

• Initiatives like service fairs are presented as effective ways to bring governmental services directly to the community, fostering interaction and awareness.

Addressing Urban Conflicts

• Urban areas often face territorial disputes among sectors; mechanisms are needed that go beyond consultation to help define local governance plans effectively.

• The challenge lies in empowering communities in decision-making processes, especially in underprivileged areas like Bogotá's southern zones.

Legal Framework and Historical Context

• A new constitution for Mexico City has been established, promoting advanced participatory measures compared to federal laws that have remained unchanged for over a century.

• This constitution was created through extensive participation from various social groups, indicating a shift towards more inclusive governance.

Engaging Diverse Stakeholders

• Recognizing the active role of citizens in social movements and formal participation is essential for developing public policies that reflect community needs.

• Ongoing planning efforts in Mexico City highlight the importance of balancing interests between popular actors and business stakeholders during policy formulation.

Moving Beyond Expert-Led Approaches

• Historically, urban planning was dominated by experts; current trends emphasize the necessity of involving citizens meaningfully rather than merely seeking their approval post-factum.

• There is an urgent need for open dialogue spaces where citizens can contribute significantly to discussions about urban development and policy decisions.

Building Trust Through Responsibility

• Mechanisms such as additional tax contributions require trust between citizens and their elected officials; without this trust, initiatives may fail.

• Successful participatory budgeting models depend on transparency and accountability from government leaders to foster civic engagement.

Impact of Distrust on Economic and Public Works

Consequences of Distrust

• Distrust can lead to severe economic and budgetary effects, including tax evasion and public discontent regarding government spending.

• The lack of visibility in public works projects contributes to skepticism among citizens, who feel that funds are mismanaged or stolen.

Importance of Transparency in Public Works

• Clear mechanisms for tracking public works are essential; citizens need to see the direct impact on their daily lives, such as road construction affecting mobility.

• Citizens must accept shared responsibility for urban development challenges, acknowledging that while they may not have a metro system now, improvements are forthcoming.

Challenges and Opportunities in Urban Governance

Citizen Engagement and Responsibility

• Engaging directly with affected communities makes it easier to manage urban projects; people understand the benefits when they see tangible results.

• Large cities face unique complexities due to diverse populations leading to frequent mobilizations against governmental measures.

Government Response to Mobilization

• Governments must adopt a proactive attitude towards citizen protests, recognizing them as opportunities for dialogue rather than threats.

• Understanding the motivations behind citizen mobilizations is crucial for effective governance; these can range from opposition to policies to demands for reforms.

Role of Academia in Social Movements

Academic Involvement in Civic Issues

• The emergence of social movements has prompted academic institutions to engage more actively with societal issues, particularly concerning anti-corruption efforts.

• A project called "Convergencia por Colombia" was initiated at a university level during times of unrest, aiming to leverage academic expertise for practical solutions.

Collaborative Solutions from Academia

• Academics were tasked with addressing student concerns raised during protests by creating concise proposals that could be implemented quickly.

• These proposals served as foundational documents for various social movements, demonstrating how academia can contribute meaningfully beyond traditional research outputs.

The Impact of Proposals on Social Movements

Practical Outcomes from Academic Initiatives

• The collaborative effort resulted in actionable proposals that addressed specific community needs without political bias or affiliation.

• This approach showcased how academia could effectively respond to urgent societal issues by providing informed recommendations based on collective wisdom.

Conclusion: Bridging Theory and Practice

What Should Be Done with Citizens' Demands?

The Role of Academics in Governance

• Emphasizes the importance of listening to citizens and addressing their demands, highlighting that academics are also part of the citizenry and have a role in governance.

• Discusses the strategies employed by various government leaders, including Claudia Sheinbaum and Clara Brugada, focusing on the necessity of listening to constituents as a foundational approach.

Expression and Trust in Governance

• Critiques current governmental attitudes towards public expression, noting that some leaders aim to suppress protests while advocating for open channels for citizen expression.

• Stresses the need for transparency from government officials to build trust with citizens; empty rhetoric without follow-through leads to disillusionment.

Effective Communication and Documentation

• Argues against lengthy documents that lack engagement; instead, advocates for clear action plans (A, B, C...) based on thorough problem analysis.

Closing Remarks and Future Engagement

• Concludes with gratitude towards participants for their rich contributions during the session; emphasizes ongoing commitment from academics in civic matters.

• Invites audience members to future discussions on inclusive cities, reinforcing continuity in dialogue about urban issues.