Summary of Sesión 11: Transparencia, acceso a la información pública y Estado abierto

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00:00:00 - 01:00:00

In this video, Professor Oscar Oslak discusses the importance of transparency and access to public information in open government. He emphasizes that transparency is a fundamental pillar of open government and highlights the need for increased transparency in government operations. Professor Oslak also explores different mechanisms of accountability and transparency in public administration, as well as the challenges faced in promoting transparency and combating corruption. He suggests that fostering an open state with two-way communication between citizens and the government is crucial for promoting transparency and citizen engagement. Additionally, the video touches on the importance of clear language in accessing public information and the role of public servants in facilitating transparent communication.

00:00:00 In this section, Professor Oscar Oslak discusses the importance of transparency in an open government. He highlights that transparency is not only a pillar of open government but also the first condition for it. He emphasizes that if the government functions as a "black box" with information hidden from the public, efforts to open up the government must include increased transparency. Professor Oslak also mentions his categorization of the content in action plans presented to the Open Government Partnership, with a specific category focused on guaranteeing and improving the exercise of the right to access public information.
00:05:00 In this section, the speaker discusses the importance of transparency, access to public information, and open government. They mention that some countries have recognized these principles at a constitutional level, while others focus on initiatives to reduce the digital divide and promote social inclusion. They distinguish between initiatives aimed at making transactions within the government more transparent and those that aim to make transactions between citizens and companies more transparent. The speaker also highlights the value of transparency in building trust in governments. They mention a study comparing the effects of transparency on trust in government in the Netherlands and South Korea, showing that cultural values play a significant role in how transparency is perceived and appreciated. Additionally, the speaker analyzes different subcategories of initiatives included in action plans, including accountability mechanisms, improvements in state procurement systems, accountability mechanisms in companies and civil society organizations, and anti-corruption measures. They note that access to these mechanisms by citizens is an ancient practice in most states, but recent years have seen a resurgence of initiatives in this area.
00:10:00 In this section, the speaker discusses different mechanisms of accountability and transparency in public administration. They mention a study that identified 27 accountability mechanisms classified based on their nature and type, such as legal, bureaucratic, professional, and social. The speaker also refers to a three-dimensional framework proposed by Lindberg that captures the variety of accountability types based on the source, strength, and direction of control. They argue that accountability is just one of several mechanisms to restrict the misuse of power by the state. The speaker highlights the growing trend of governments, both national and subnational, implementing initiatives to disseminate information on various aspects of public management. They mention the existence of numerous portals and websites in Latin America that provide such information for researchers, civil society organizations, and citizens. This trend is expected to continue in the future, expanding to different levels of government and other branches of the state.
00:15:00 In this section, the speaker discusses the concept of an open state, noting that the term "state" does not have the same meaning in the United States as it does in Europe or Latin America. They explain that many government agencies have adopted the philosophy of open governance, resulting in the establishment of specialized management areas within the government structure to ensure transparency in their operations. Various regulations have been put in place to govern these units and promote transparency in interactions between private entities and the government. Examples include the development of electronic procurement systems, which allow citizens to access information about government contracts and suppliers, and the regulation of lobbying activities. The overall goal is to reduce corruption and promote ethical behavior by both public officials and private actors through the establishment of transparent practices and the regulation of relationships between government, businesses, and civil society organizations.
00:20:00 In this section, the speaker discusses the different mechanisms through which the state interacts with the private sector, such as outsourcing certain support functions or providing economic incentives to private companies. However, they argue that these various forms of resource transfers lack adequate monitoring and accountability processes. While there are regulatory bodies and inspection institutions in place, their effectiveness is often weak, as officials may move between these bodies and the private sector, leading to subtle bureaucratic capture. To address this, many open government plans include explicit actions to strengthen accountability mechanisms and anti-corruption measures. The speaker emphasizes that corruption not only devalues public assets but also represents a form of privatization of the state, highlighting the need for a strong and transparent government. They believe that the scale and power dynamics between the state, society, and economic actors are key factors in fostering either corrupt or transparent practices.
00:25:00 In this section, Professor Oscar discusses the challenges faced by various actors in promoting transparency and combating corruption in the democratic process. He highlights the lack of trust and legitimacy among political parties, organizations, and social movements, which hinders their ability to support and strengthen the state. Professor Oscar emphasizes that the fight against corruption has become a central policy in open government strategies, and governments are increasingly adopting mechanisms such as international agreements, declarations of assets, and conflict-of-interest statements to address this issue. However, he notes that corruption levels have not significantly decreased in Latin America, and there is still a pressing need to improve these indicators and ultimately eradicate corruption from society.
00:30:00 In this section, the speaker addresses the issue of access to public information in Colombia and its effectiveness in promoting transparency and citizen engagement. While there are mechanisms in place for entities to publish information on websites, it is unclear to what extent citizens actually use and benefit from these datasets. The solution, according to the speaker, lies in fostering an open state that encourages two-way communication between citizens and the government. Efforts should be made to make the information accessible and understandable to the public, such as using plain language and visual aids. Additionally, the speaker highlights the importance of citizen participation, noting that while surveys show widespread support for it, there are various reasons why people choose not to participate. Thus, in order to enhance the effectiveness of transparency mechanisms, it is necessary to address the barriers to citizen engagement and create an environment where citizens feel empowered to participate.
00:35:00 In this section, the speaker discusses the importance of transparency and citizen participation in promoting an open government. They share an anecdote about a gathering of individuals working on open government issues, where only a few people admitted to accessing public information. This highlights the lack of public engagement in the topic. The speaker then introduces Brigitte Quintero, who has extensive experience in promoting clear language and transparency in the Colombian government. Brigitte emphasizes the need for clarity in information and understanding public rights. She uses metaphors and analogies, drawing inspiration from Star Wars, to explain the importance of transparency and the dark side of corruption. She presents data on corruption perception in Colombia, highlighting the need to transition from the dark side to transparency.
00:40:00 In this section, the speaker discusses the importance of transparency, access to public information, and open government. They highlight the serious levels of corruption in the public sector, citing data from a 2021 report. They emphasize the need for clear language and the defense of rights in order to hold government accountable. The speaker also mentions the importance of eliminating information asymmetry and making information not only available, but accessible and understandable to the public. They explain that a lack of transparency decreases trust in public institutions, which can be remedied through clear communication. They call for a culture of dialogue and balance of power between the government and the citizens, similar to the concept of open government.
00:45:00 In this section, the speaker discusses the importance of effective communication and transparency in government practices. They highlight the need to overcome language barriers and engage citizens directly, rather than relying on intermediaries. The speaker also gives examples of how commonly used terms, like "RUT" or "tutela," can be misunderstood by the general public, emphasizing the need for clear and accessible language. They stress the importance of making public information easily understandable and readily available to promote citizen engagement and transparency.
00:50:00 In this section, the speaker discusses the importance of clear language in accessing public information. Clear language reduces burdens for both the government and citizens, leading to increased efficiency and decreased costs. The speaker also highlights the various costs associated with unclear language, such as learning difficulties, increased steps in processes, and psychological stress. They emphasize that clear language facilitates effective communication, transparency, and access to information, ultimately enabling the effective exercise of rights and fulfillment of duties. The speaker suggests strategies such as understanding the target audience, breaking stereotypes, and embracing different forms of communication to build a culture of simplicity and transparency in order to better serve the public.
00:55:00 In this section, the speaker discusses the perception of public servants and the importance of transparency and access to information. They highlight the need for public servants to empathize with citizens and make information more understandable and accessible. The speaker emphasizes the value of simple language and collaboration, and shares examples of how they have transformed the way they communicate public information. They also mention the fear of a more active and participatory citizenry, and the importance of overcoming this fear to generate transparent information that facilitates the exercise of rights. The speaker concludes by showcasing examples of clear and accessible information, including a court ruling explained to a child and a response to a person in need of state protection.

01:00:00 - 01:55:00

In this section of the video, the speakers emphasize the importance of transparency, access to information, and accountability in government and society. They highlight the need for simple and accessible language in communication with citizens, as well as the power of language in shaping ideas and values. The evolution of electronic government and the challenges in achieving a more democratic and flexible state are discussed. The relationship between corruption and transparency is explored, with an emphasis on understanding the values, processes, and dynamics of information and accountability. The speakers also address the challenges and complexities of transparency in the public sector, and the need for dialogue and citizen participation in decision-making processes. Overall, the video emphasizes the significance of transparency for a democratic and healthy society.

01:00:00 In this section of the video, the speaker discusses the importance of using simple and accessible language to communicate with citizens. They provide examples of how information can be presented in a more visual and concise way, such as using infographics to explain processes like child support. The speaker also mentions the significance of language in promoting transparency and peace, emphasizing the need to break stigmatization and build a country that is tolerant and reconciled. The power of language in shaping ideas, values, and norms is highlighted, and the audience is encouraged to embrace simplicity in their communication. The following section introduces another speaker, Professor Mauricio Gómez, who is an expert in accounting and administration.
01:05:00 In this section, the speaker begins by acknowledging the challenges in maintaining control of the audience while sharing their screen. They highlight two important elements discussed by Professor Oscar and Brigitte in relation to corruption and the lack of ethical values. The speaker emphasizes the need for a critical approach to address these problems and mentions various valuable initiatives that have been implemented to tackle transparency issues. However, they note that corruption continues to grow despite these efforts. The speaker also points out the complexity of understanding and addressing corruption, highlighting the interaction between individual actions and structural factors. They suggest that to grasp the emergence and expansion of transparency initiatives, one must consider the context of public management reforms, the impact of ICTs, and the digital society we are entering. Furthermore, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding the values, processes, and dynamics of information, accountability, and transparency. Finally, they argue that achieving democratic transparency and accountability goes beyond simply enacting laws and regulations.
01:10:00 In this section, the speaker discusses the need for transparency and accountability in government, highlighting the shift towards government digitalization. The crisis of the welfare state in the 70s and 80s led to a decline in trust in the state, prompting the emergence of a new public management approach. Under this approach, governments, particularly in countries like England and the United States, aimed to reduce the size of the state, transfer activities to the private sector, and operate in a more efficient and transparent manner. The implementation of ICT in the private sector during the late 1990s further emphasized the importance of bringing web technologies to the public sector, leading to initiatives such as the development of government websites in Colombia. This transition from e-government to digital government involves incorporating ICT into government processes to provide citizens with information, interaction, and transaction capabilities.
01:15:00 In this section, the speaker discusses the evolution of electronic government and the challenges faced in achieving a more democratic and flexible state. They highlight the advancements in providing more information to citizens, but also point out the unfulfilled promises and the increasing public expenditure. The shift towards outsourcing public services has led to a decrease in the state's capacity to guarantee rights, such as pensions, resulting in a lack of trust and legitimacy towards the government. The speaker emphasizes the need to view the state as a public entity that ensures universal rights, rather than treating citizens as mere customers. They argue that the focus should be on the public value, which involves cooperative processes to satisfy citizens' needs and solve their problems. The COVID-19 pandemic has further intensified these dynamics, as remote work and digital information become more prevalent.
01:20:00 In this section, the speaker highlights the importance of understanding the relationship between corruption and transparency in the context of the state. They point out that while there have been many initiatives to provide information and promote transparency, the structural transformation of the state towards private sector principles and values may contribute to corruption. They emphasize the need to clarify the concepts of information, accountability, and transparency. Information should not just be about providing data, but also understanding the context and the needs of users. Accountability involves organizations being accountable for their actions and outcomes, even in negative situations, while transparency refers to making processes and actions visible. The speaker stresses that empowering citizens goes beyond providing information and requires considering their capabilities, legitimacy, and capacity to act upon that information.
01:25:00 In this section, the speaker discusses the importance of transparency, accountability, and access to information in an organization or society. Transparency goes beyond simply providing information, but also involves creating mechanisms for decision-making processes and rules to be visible to outsiders. The relationship between these three values can be complex, sometimes complementary and sometimes conflicting, depending on the social or organizational context. For example, in a hierarchical society, accountability is from bottom to top, while transparency varies depending on one's position in the hierarchy. In an individualistic society, accountability is inward and based on transactional relationships. The speaker emphasizes that these values are not always the same and their interaction depends on the structural context and social design of the organization or society.
01:30:00 In this section, the speaker discusses the importance of transparency, access to information, and open government. They mention that although there are numerous regulations in place regarding transparency and availability of information, it does not guarantee the elimination of corruption or improve organizational management. The speaker acknowledges the progress made in recent years in terms of data availability and digital interaction between citizens and public entities, but also emphasizes the existence of multiple digital gaps, including access to technology and digital literacy. They highlight the need for digital competencies in order to effectively utilize digital tools and address the cultural gaps surrounding information and transparency. The speaker also notes that availability of information does not necessarily equate to access, and interaction does not equal communication. They stress the importance of meaningful dialogue and communication for building democracy. The impact of digitalization on society, power dynamics, and morality is mentioned, with the speaker pointing out the pressure faced by public managers to share information on social media platforms. They caution against the mere dissemination of data without transforming it into meaningful information and accountability.
01:35:00 In this section, the speaker discusses the current state of transparency and accountability processes, highlighting that they have become a unidirectional process without dialogue. The focus is on formal compliance rather than understanding the needs of the citizens, which creates a gap in the system. To address this challenge, the speaker suggests building dialogical processes of transparency that are inclusive and involve citizens in decision-making processes. They emphasize the need for reading a book by a Korean philosopher that emphasizes the importance of developing a society of transparency. The speaker also addresses the corruption of the private sector and its influence on government policies and decisions. According to the speaker, in order to increase transparency in this issue, it is crucial to involve all sectors, including civil society and academia.
01:40:00 In this section, the speaker highlights the ways in which political interest groups and private interests can influence public policy and decision-making. They argue that increased transparency and accountability are necessary to ensure that public interests are protected and that political power is not unfairly concentrated in the hands of private interests. They propose several solutions, such as reviewing incentives for private interests and creating democratic channels for citizens to participate in decision-making. They also emphasize the importance of symbolic understanding and communication in democratic processes.
01:45:00 In this section, the speaker discusses the importance of transparency in the process of public contracting. According to studies by the Center for Transparency in Colombia and Transparency International, corruption is associated with the contracting process, specifically with the lack of transparency in the process. Transparency can be improved by making contracts more accessible and comprehensible to citizens, so that they can better understand the process and hold those responsible accountable. The responsibility lies with the state, which must ensure that information is available and easy to understand for citizens. The speaker also emphasizes the importance of addressing legal and normative issues in order to simplify and clarify the information. He mentions the challenges of making information accessible and usable, and the need for citizens to be able to understand and participate in the process. The speaker believes that improving transparency in the contracting process will make it more clear and accessible to citizens, making it easier for them to hold those responsible accountable for controversial contracts.
01:50:00 In this section, the speaker discusses the challenges and complexities of transparency in the public sector. They explain that the lack of transparency is not always due to intentional corruption by higher authorities but can also be a result of the structural processes within the state. The speaker highlights how the closed nature of certain job postings and contract specifications can hinder meritocracy, competition, and open access to public positions. They emphasize the need to address this structural weakness in order to promote transparency and accountability. In the context of the country's new government, the speaker advises the Ministry of Transparency to engage in dialogue with the public and to understand that building a democratic state takes time and requires the patience to navigate through complex processes.
01:55:00 In this section of the video titled "Sesión 11: Transparencia, acceso a la información pública y Estado abierto", the speakers discuss the importance of transparency in government and society. They argue that transparency is necessary for a democratic and healthy society. The speakers also discuss the benefits of transparency in decision-making and the need for effective dialogue and participation in the democratic process. They emphasize the importance of listening and understanding the views of different voices in order to make informed decisions. The speakers end the video by inviting the audience to an event focusing on the role of education in the transformation of society.