Sesión 10. El gobierno abierto de la ciudad.

Welcome and Introduction

The session begins with greetings to the participants and an introduction to the topic of open government in cities.

Opening Remarks

• Open government principles are crucial for good governance.

• Emphasis on citizen participation and transparency.

• Acknowledgment of guests specializing in open government.

Exploring Open Government in Cities

The discussion delves into the concept of open government in urban settings, focusing on its meaning, practices, and implications for both public entities and citizens.

Understanding Open Government

• Definition and significance of open government in city governance.

• Examination of the responsibilities involved in practicing open government.

• Importance for both public authorities and citizens to engage in open government practices.

Introduction of Guest Speaker - Diana Richardson

A brief introduction is provided for Diana Richardson, highlighting her background and expertise in law, taxation, and governance.

Guest Speaker Profile

• Diana Richardson's academic qualifications and professional experience.

• Roles held by Diana Richardson within various legal institutions.

• Current position as Director General at the Inspectorate General Agency for Taxes.

Insights on Open Government Implementation

Diana Richardson shares insights on implementing open government initiatives based on OECD principles adopted by Colombia.

Key Points from Diana Richardson

• Colombia's adoption of OECD principles for open state reform.

• Evolution of Colombia's implementation of open government since 2011.

• National commitments towards gender perspective, justice openness, and parliamentary transparency.

Enhancing Transparency Against Corruption

Discussion shifts towards tools developed by the Presidency's Transparency Secretariat to promote transparency, access to information, and anti-corruption efforts.

Tools for Transparency

• Role of the Secretariat in providing tools for accessing data openly.

• Examples include the National Anti-Corruption Index and assistance programs for local public entities.

Effective Governance Strategies for Transparency and Accountability

This section discusses the challenges and strategies related to open government in cities, emphasizing the importance of aligning with national guidelines while addressing specific local needs.

Adopting Central Government Guidelines

• Challenges include adopting central government guidelines and assessing specific territorial needs autonomously.

• OECD reports highlight well-regulated departmental planning in Colombia, with departments responsible for implementing territorial strategies outlined in development plans.

Coordination Mechanisms and Communication

• Departments coordinate planning objectives with the national government through vertical and horizontal mechanisms like agreements for prosperity.

• Emphasize clear communication channels to inform citizens about decisions, activities, resource allocation, and ensure access to information.

Promoting Citizen Participation and Accountability

• Authorities should facilitate citizen access to information, acknowledge their right to request data, promote participation in accountability processes.

• Encourage internal and external control processes to evaluate municipal management effectively.

Enhancing Transparency and Accountability in Public Management

This segment delves into the significance of transparency and accountability in public governance, focusing on building trust through authentic processes that demonstrate proper resource utilization for public welfare.

Authenticity in Governance Processes

• Transparency and accountability aim at authenticating regional authorities' actions to instill citizen trust by showcasing proper resource utilization.

• Rendition of accounts should prioritize identifying critical datasets aligned with national development goals for public access without compromising confidentiality.

Citizen Engagement and Capacity Building

• Promote citizen engagement through awareness campaigns on public management transparency principles.

Detailed Overview of the Transcript

The discussion revolves around the implementation of open government strategies at subnational levels, emphasizing citizen involvement in policy formulation and public service improvement.

Implementation of Open Government Strategies

• Many countries are making changes to engage citizens actively in transforming their territories, highlighting the significance of cities and authorities in enhancing open government.

• Open government aims to enhance quality of life, service delivery, and trust among city residents, necessitating a focus on strengthening citizen-government interactions.

• Evaluating how to enhance citizen-centric services and online governance is crucial for effective public administration at local levels.

• The national government initiative in Colombia to implement clear language underscores the importance of equal communication rights for all individuals amid diverse cultural contexts.

• Addressing clear language challenges involves officializing strategies to facilitate public access to information and services while promoting transparency and efficiency.

Practices for Clear Language Implementation

• To deepen clear language practices, considerations include understanding population differences such as age, education level, and culture for effective communication.

• Recommendations for successful clear language implementation involve empathetic communication that resonates with the audience without discrimination or ambiguity.

• Effective information dissemination should ensure accessibility, clarity, transparency, and encourage participation while considering audience needs comprehensively.

Insights on Governance Challenges

The imperative for city governments to combat corruption decisively due to its detrimental impact on public trust and credibility.

Combating Corruption in City Governments

• Addressing corruption is vital as any hint of malpractice erodes public trust in governance, undermining efforts towards open government principles.

Appreciation & Transition

Expressing gratitude for insightful discussions on open government fundamentals before transitioning to the next speaker.

Gratitude & Transition

• Acknowledgment of the critical role of citizen participation, accountability, and service enhancement within open government frameworks.

Introduction of Next Speaker

Introducing Professor Brigit Quintero's background and expertise before delving into her contributions regarding pedagogical projects.

Introduction of Professor Brigit Quintero

Enormous and Innovative Experience in Promoting Clear Language

In this section, the speaker discusses the innovative experience of promoting clear language strategies through various public entities, emphasizing the importance of simplicity in communication.

Importance of Clear Language Strategy

• Government openness and clear language as a fundamental right.

• Citizens' need to understand government processes for accessing services.

• Communicating in clear language is a political decision and an ethical choice.

• Ensuring citizens understand how to participate fosters democracy.

• Tailoring communication to citizens' needs for effective engagement.

Contributions to Positioning Clear Language in Latin America

This part highlights the speaker's contributions to positioning clear language not only in Colombia but also across Latin America, emphasizing its significance for open government initiatives.

Significance of Clear Language Positioning

• Clarity essential for citizens to comprehend their rights and engage with the state.

• Communication clarity as a political and ethical decision.

Role of Clear Language in Accessing Government Services

The discussion focuses on the role of clear language in facilitating access to government services, highlighting the importance of effective communication strategies.

Facilitating Access through Clear Language

• Integration of clear language across public policies for improved service access.

Understanding Communication and Engagement with the State

In this section, the speaker discusses the importance of communication in engaging with the state effectively, emphasizing the need for clear language and active citizen participation.

Importance of Communication for Citizen Engagement

• Communication facilitates citizen engagement with the state, leading to increased interaction and understanding.

• Citizens have the right to voice concerns through mechanisms like citizen oversight groups, promoting transparency and accountability.

• Emphasizes the significance of participation and collaboration in democratizing information and reducing communication barriers between experts and citizens.

Challenges in Effective Communication

This part delves into challenges faced in effective communication between the state and citizens, highlighting disparities in knowledge and language clarity.

Addressing Communication Challenges

• Disparities in expertise create communication barriers; clear language acts as a bridge to facilitate effective communication.

• Despite sharing a common language, miscommunication persists due to differing perspectives on service provision and citizen attention.

Building Trust Through Effective Communication

The focus shifts towards building trust through empathetic, transparent, and efficient communication strategies by public entities.

Strategies for Building Trust

• Public entities should prioritize empathy, transparency, efficiency, and organized processes to enhance communication effectiveness.

• Acknowledges public skepticism towards government actions due to past experiences; emphasizes the need for relatable and trustworthy communication approaches.

Enhancing Information Accessibility

The discussion centers on improving information accessibility by ensuring ease of access, comprehension without intermediaries, and practical utility.

Improving Information Accessibility

• Information accessibility hinges on three key aspects: easy access to information sources, comprehensibility without external aid, and practical usability for individuals from diverse backgrounds.

New Section

In this section, the speaker discusses the concept of clear language in open government and its relation to various aspects of state policies.

Clear Language in Open Government

• Clear language is crucial in open government for effective communication with citizens.

• The state's different doors, such as national citizen service policy, transparency policy, public information rationalization, and citizen participation policy, are interconnected.

• Integrity is also essential in clear language as it relates to ethics and public integrity.

New Section

This part delves into the significance of public integrity and the four main policies related to open government.

Public Integrity and Key Policies

• Public integrity is vital for maintaining trust between the government and citizens.

• The four major policies include national citizen service policy, transparency policy, public information rationalization, and citizen participation policy.

• These policies aim to enhance communication clarity between the state and citizens.

New Section

The discussion focuses on challenges faced due to lack of clear communication from the state and efforts towards improvement.

Challenges in Communication Clarity

• Nine out of ten Colombians believe that the state does not communicate clearly.

• Current clarity rating stands at 4.8 out of 10, indicating a significant need for improvement.

• Despite some progress by national planning authorities, there remains a substantial challenge in achieving clear communication standards.

New Section

This segment explores transparency issues within government processes and initiatives taken to streamline procedures.

Transparency Enhancement Efforts

• Evaluation of how transparent entities are perceived by citizens is crucial.

• Streamlining administrative processes reduces steps involved in procedures.

• Successful implementation of clear language in documents can significantly reduce appeals or clarifications needed from citizens.

New Section

The focus here is on simplification efforts within bureaucratic processes through clear language adoption.

Bureaucratic Simplification Through Clear Language

• Example from Bogotá's land registry demonstrates a 68% reduction in appeals after adopting clearer language standards.

• Simplifying steps not only reduces administrative burden but also minimizes costs for citizens.

Documento Original del Estado

In this section, the speaker discusses the process of creating an original document with public entities. They mention conducting exercises at the end of the semester to gather feedback from public servants and entities regarding their experiences.

Document Creation Process

• The speaker collaborated with public entities to create an original document for the State.

Challenges in Document Understanding

• Students found a brochure titled "Pensión de Sobrevivientes Sustitución" visually appealing but complex upon reading.

Improving Comprehension

• Students proposed a website named ABC for accessing pension information, highlighting the importance of clear titles for understanding.

Enhancing Communication Through Simplification

This part focuses on improving communication by simplifying documents and enhancing comprehension through accessible language.

Facilitating Understanding

• By simplifying terms and design, individuals found it easier to comprehend complex information.

Impact of Simplification

• Simplified documents led to increased satisfaction and reduced frustration among readers.

Innovative Approaches in Document Transformation

The discussion shifts towards innovative methods used to transform traditional documents into more engaging formats.

Creative Transformations

• A document initially presented as an Excel file was later transformed into an infographic, showcasing creativity in communication.

Accessibility and Clarity in Legal Documents

This segment highlights efforts to enhance accessibility and clarity in legal documents for diverse audiences.

Clear Legal Language

• Complex legal contracts were simplified into clear language, making them accessible to a wider audience.

Engaging Diverse Audiences Through Storytelling

The speaker emphasizes engaging diverse audiences through storytelling within legal contexts.

Inclusive Communication

• Legal documents tailored for children demonstrate inclusivity and aim to make complex legal concepts understandable for all groups.

New Section

In this section, the speaker discusses the "Ley Fácil" project in Chile, emphasizing various forms of communication by the state, including legal information in audio formats and indigenous languages to cater to different audiences. The importance of language and discourse in promoting reconciliation, tolerance, and non-stigmatization is highlighted.

Ley Fácil Project in Chile

• The "Ley Fácil" project in Chile aims to provide diverse forms of state communication, such as legal information in audio formats and indigenous languages.

• Emphasizes a 2022 ruling (sentencia 020 del 2022) on the role of language and discourse in promoting principles like reconciliation, tolerance, and non-stigmatization.

• Reflects on the significance of language as a powerful tool that shapes social reality, emphasizing that words are not empty but define actions.

Understanding Language's Role

This part delves into the importance of clear language for transparency within the state. It emphasizes the need for transparent communication to ensure understanding among individuals within governmental structures.

Importance of Clear Language

• Clear language is crucial for transparency within government structures to facilitate effective communication and understanding among individuals.

• Language acts as an articulator of social reality, creating space for societal transformation towards peaceful coexistence in conflict-ridden countries.

Insights on Corruption and Transparency

The discussion shifts towards corruption, transparency, and public governance. The speaker introduces Camilo Peña as an expert economist with experience in governance issues like corruption and budget transparency.

Corruption and Transparency

• Camilo Peña is introduced as an economist specializing in governance issues such as corruption, budget transparency, and inequality.

• Acknowledges Camilo's active involvement with educational initiatives related to public governance through his work with the observatory monitoring corruption transparency.

Challenges Posed by Corruption

This segment explores corruption as an abuse of power or trust for personal gain at the expense of collective interests. It highlights how corruption involves transactions that compromise public welfare.

Understanding Corruption

• Corruption entails abusing power or trust for personal benefit over collective interests through transactions involving money or services exchanged for decision-making influence.

Corruption and Its Impact on Society

In this section, the speaker discusses the detrimental effects of corruption on society, highlighting its influence on various aspects such as contractual processes, policy-making, and institutional management.

The Harmful Effects of Corruption

• Corruption serves as a tool that leads to significant damages, particularly affecting democracy and the ability of states to uphold rights and guarantees.

• Victims of corruption often come from vulnerable populations, exacerbating socio-economic disparities and contributing to criminal activities.

• Corruption not only impacts individuals already facing economic challenges but also hinders national priorities like environmental protection and deforestation control.

Distinguishing Corruption from Administrative Inefficiencies

This part emphasizes the distinction between corruption and administrative inefficiencies within public entities, shedding light on how these issues differ despite potential overlaps.

Differentiating Corruption from Administrative Failures

• Administrative inefficiencies can result in projects like "white elephants," where resources are mismanaged due to poor planning or execution.

• Inefficient administration delays public services' availability while highlighting flaws in service provision models.

• While corruption may be present in administrative inefficiencies, it is crucial to differentiate direct state capture by specific agents from general administrative shortcomings.

Approaches to Understanding Corruption

This segment explores diverse approaches to comprehending corruption, including examining perceptions and incidents related to corrupt practices.

Perceptions vs. Incidents of Corruption

• Objective and subjective perceptions play a role in understanding corruption levels within a country's public sectors.

• Approaching corruption through reported incidents or identified risks aids in uncovering vulnerabilities within public management systems.

Analyzing Corruption Patterns: The Case of Bogotá

Focusing on Bogotá as a case study, this part delves into monitoring corruption instances using tools like the Citizen Monitor of Corruption for insights into specific patterns and characteristics.

Unveiling Corrupt Practices in Bogotá

• Utilizing tools like the Citizen Monitor of Corruption provides detailed information on corrupt activities within cities like Bogotá.

New Section

The discussion revolves around the recent events related to corruption in Bogotá, focusing on the time frame of 2016 to 2022 and the impact on various sectors within the city.

Understanding Recent Events

• Events reported between 2016 and 2022, involving public contracting processes, security services, and regulatory matters.

• Types of corruption identified: administrative, private sector, political, and judicial corruption.

• Impact of corruption on vulnerable populations like children and adolescents in Bogotá.

• Long-term consequences of corruption affecting basic conditions for children and adolescents.

Exploring Corruption's Reach

Delving into the broader impact of corruption beyond immediate financial losses.

Extending Impact Beyond Financial Losses

• Highlighting how corruption affects future conditions and essential services for vulnerable groups.

• Noting significant effects on incarcerated populations in Bogotá due to corrupt practices.

• Identifying key entities affected by corruption cases: national government, private sector, judiciary, and municipal bodies.

Analyzing Corruption in Bogotá

Examining the geographical and governmental complexities influencing corrupt practices in Bogotá.

Geographical and Governmental Influences

• Unique aspects of corruption in Bogotá due to concentration of national government entities alongside local governance structures.

• Diverse levels of government involvement impacting city management decisions beyond mayoral authority.

• Contrasting governance dynamics with other regions like Atlántico where population distribution influences administrative focus.

Challenges in Anti-Corruption Efforts

Addressing the complexities of combating corruption within a decentralized governance framework.

Navigating Governance Complexity

• Significance of understanding distinct roles played by different governmental levels in anti-corruption efforts.

Detailed Analysis of Corruption in Bogotá

In this section, the speaker delves into the specific instances of corruption within the government of Bogotá, highlighting prevalent forms and discussing the impact on governance and society.

Prevalence of Administrative Corruption

• Administrative corruption is more prevalent than judicial corruption in Bogotá.

• Private sector corruption surpasses political corruption.

• Instances of corruption primarily involve irregularities in contracting processes.

Types of Corrupt Practices

• Corruption is directly linked to contracting processes, often involving collusion among companies bidding for contracts.

• Environmental crimes and cartelization are identified as common corrupt practices.

• Excessive discretion in public functions contributes to corrupt activities.

Extortion and Abuse of Power

• "Sorion" refers to extortion using positions of power for sexual favors.

• This abuse signifies a form of corruption by exploiting authority for personal gain.

Risks and Prevention Strategies for Corruption

The discussion shifts towards exploring the risks associated with corruption and strategies to prevent such malpractices from occurring.

Understanding Corruption Risks

• Four key factors contribute to fostering corrupt environments: limited access to information, institutional irregularities, lack of checks and balances, and governance deficiencies.

Institutional Factors Influencing Corruption

• Irregular behaviors, high discretion levels, unclear procedures within institutions create opportunities for corrupt acts.

Governance Challenges

• Limited self-regulation culture and external oversight weaken governance structures, enabling inappropriate conduct among authorities.

Transparency Initiatives in Bogotá

The focus shifts towards transparency efforts in Bogotá through initiatives like the Transparency Index aimed at assessing entities' anti-corruption measures.

Transparency Index Evaluation

• The Transparency Index evaluates entities' risk mitigation strategies against corruption by analyzing their transparency measures and effectiveness in combating malpractice.

Institutional Development Impact

• Bogotá showcases significant institutional development with various entities demonstrating strengths in transparency measures and institutional growth.

Information Accessibility and Control Measures

Discussion on Corruption Risks and Management in Public Administration

The discussion delves into the risks faced by public entities, particularly at the district level, regarding gaps in results due to ineffective management practices. It highlights the importance of assessing how well anti-corruption processes are integrated into public administration.

Analysis of Risk Indicators

• An indicator is discussed that evaluates the implementation of anti-corruption measures within public administration to ensure they are effectively applied and not limited to specific offices.

Implications of High Risk Indicator Levels

• High levels of risk indicators suggest that despite formal mechanisms being in place, there are barriers hindering their practical application, not only in Bogotá but potentially across various administrative settings globally.

Challenges with Contractor Numbers

• The presence of a significant number of contractors (13,000) poses challenges such as potential loss of processes and contractors leaving the entity due to large numbers.

Importance of Data Culture in Anti-Corruption Efforts

This segment emphasizes the significance of fostering a data culture to enhance anti-corruption efforts within city governance by ensuring relevant data accessibility and citizen engagement.

Role of Data Culture

• Emphasizes that data availability is meaningless without a strong data culture supporting its relevance and significance for citizens' needs.

Technological Advancements for Transparency

• Discusses utilizing technologies like artificial intelligence, whistleblower channels, and other frontier measures to enhance transparency within administrative systems.

Challenges and Opportunities for Institutional Development

Explores how institutional development in cities like Bogotá can influence smaller municipalities positively while emphasizing efficient public management practices.

Impact Beyond City Limits

Transparency Challenges in Colombia

The discussion revolves around transparency challenges in Colombia, focusing on the issues related to information disclosure and public access.

Transparency Issues and Challenges

• Diana highlights challenges faced by citizens and control entities in accessing information, often resorting to legal mechanisms for transparency.

• Ed emphasizes the need for public entities to proactively provide accessible information without citizens having to request it formally.

• Ed stresses the demotivation caused when citizens must navigate bureaucratic processes to access non-confidential information.

• Emphasis on compliance with transparency laws as a significant advancement, urging internal control groups to monitor adherence rigorously.

• Suggestions for incorporating transparency requirements into annual management reports to encourage citizen engagement and oversight.

Importance of Clear Communication for Transparency

The importance of clear communication and active transparency practices is discussed, emphasizing the obligation of public entities to provide easily accessible information.

Clear Communication and Active Transparency

• Critique on the misconception that providing transparent information is a favor rather than an obligation, stressing the need for clear and proactive disclosure.

• Discussion on the requirement for understandable language in content accessibility, promoting inclusivity and clarity in public disclosures.

Challenges in Information Disclosure

Challenges related to maximum publicity principles, passive transparency, and reserved information are explored within the context of security concerns.

Information Disclosure Challenges

• Emphasis on the clarity of laws regarding maximum publicity as a fundamental principle requiring comprehensive publication of available information.

• Highlighting difficulties faced by citizens in accessing information due to limited proactive disclosure efforts by public entities.

Detailed Discussion on Government Oversight and Citizen Engagement

In this segment, the discussion revolves around government oversight, citizen engagement, and the role of cities in promoting transparency and accountability.

Role of Cities in Strengthening Citizen Oversight

• Cities play a crucial role in strengthening citizen oversight through supporting watchdog groups.

• The responsibility of cities lies in enhancing the capacities of citizen oversight bodies to facilitate genuine open governance.

• Capacities need to be developed for effective monitoring, especially concerning corruption cases that impact individuals directly.

Preventive Control Measures vs. Sanction Emphasis

• The shift towards preventive control measures is highlighted as essential for effective governance.

• Bogotá serves as an example with a strong focus on preventive control measures rather than solely punitive actions.

Ensuring Transparency While Safeguarding Sensitive Information

This section delves into the balance between transparency and safeguarding sensitive information to prevent potential risks.

Balancing Transparency and Security Concerns

• Emphasizing preventive measures over punitive actions is vital for effective governance.

• Bogotá's proactive approach towards prevention sets a notable example in ensuring transparency while maintaining security standards.

Citizen Empowerment Through Accessible Information

The conversation shifts towards empowering citizens through accessible information and active engagement with governmental processes.

Empowering Citizens Through Open Data Policies

• Entities should take the initiative to provide transparent information to prevent unnecessary hurdles for citizens seeking data.

• Striking a balance between public access and safeguarding critical data is crucial to avoid hindrances due to subjective interpretations by officials.

Facilitating Citizen Oversight Through Information Accessibility

• Clear guidelines are necessary to determine what information can be restricted based on national security or economic concerns.

Discussion on Reporting and Transparency

In this segment, the speakers discuss the reporting process within their agency, emphasizing the importance of transparency while handling sensitive information.

Reporting Process and Transparency

• The agency receives reports about suspicious activities or incidents, ensuring transparency in their operations.

• Information regarding disciplinary processes is kept confidential until formal charges are filed to protect the reputation of those under investigation.

• Data published in the fraud and corruption observatory includes publicly available information on disciplinary cases categorized by violation type and overseeing entities.

• Requests related to the agency's mission-specific information are minimal due to efforts in building transparency through tools like the fraud and corruption observatory.

Importance of Citizen Oversight

The conversation shifts towards discussing the significance of citizen oversight, highlighting its role in empowering communities and enhancing accountability.

Citizen Oversight Significance

• Veedurías ciudadanas (citizen oversight groups) are viewed as powerful entities that engage community members, fostering a sense of responsibility and involvement.

• Holding titles such as "veedora" or "auditor ciudadano" elevates individuals' relationship with the state, promoting democracy and simplifying interactions.

Enhancing Participation for Effective Governance

The dialogue delves into strategies for bolstering citizen participation to strengthen governance effectiveness.

Strategies for Enhanced Participation

• Acknowledgment of the pivotal role played by citizen oversight and participation in shaping public policies for a more robust democracy.

• Emphasizing the need for continuous improvement in participation mechanisms to ensure transformative outcomes that benefit both citizens and governmental processes.

Empowering Effective Participation

Exploring avenues to empower effective participation within government structures for improved governance practices.

Empowerment Through Participation

• Highlighting participation as a fundamental element of open government initiatives, underscoring its critical role in fostering transparent governance practices.

Discussion on Participatory Budgeting

In this section, the speakers discuss participatory budgeting, its historical context, and the importance of citizen involvement in decision-making processes.

Historical Context and Importance of Citizen Engagement

• Participatory budgeting exercises are part of national history but not yet widespread.

• These exercises have historical significance but lack broad implementation.

• Emphasize the importance of inclusive participation for meaningful outcomes.

• Citizens should see their input reflected in decisions to enhance engagement.

• Example of Paris as a model for increased citizen participation in decision-making processes.

• Paris serves as an excellent example of fostering genuine citizen involvement.

Promoting Government Transparency and Accountability

This segment focuses on recommendations for promoting open government and citizens' roles in ensuring transparency and accountability.

Recommendations for Promoting Open Government

• Encouraging active participation in holding public entities accountable through engagement with accountability exercises.

• Stress on citizens' involvement in holding public entities accountable through oversight mechanisms like technical watchdog groups.

• Advocating for pursuing interests that resonate personally to drive effective civic engagement.

• Focus on engaging with issues that individuals deeply care about to foster sustained involvement.

Leveraging Data and Institutional Resources

• Emphasizing the utilization of available data resources to enhance informed decision-making and civic engagement.

Desafíos en Prácticas de Finanzas

In this section, the speaker expresses gratitude to three colleagues for their participation in a session and invites everyone to the upcoming lecture on urban trust.

Expressing Gratitude and Invitation

• The speaker thanks Dr. Diana, Brigit, and Camilo for joining the session.

• Invites all participants to stay tuned for the next lecture focusing on urban trust.