(Auditorium Testori, English/French interpretation, available via Livestream)

(Auditorium Testori, English/French interpretation, available via Livestream)

(Auditorium Testori, English/French interpretation, available via Livestream) In the current context, strengthening trust is a priority for all governments. Successive global crises in recent years have tested confidence in government, and information ecosystems are being further challenged with rising mis and disinformation and the use of generative AI. At the same time, unmet rising citizen expectations around participation and representation, and concerns around government’s ability to tackle complex policy issues in the public interest and in a transparent and accountable manner are driving trust levels down. The report OECD Survey on the Drivers of Trust in Institutions – 2024 Results delivers new evidence on the various ways governments can strengthen trust. This session will take stock of the evolution of trust in public institutions and discuss concrete actions governments can take in the future.

(Auditorium Testori, English/French interpretation, available via Livestream) Engaging citizens in public policy and decision making has evolved from a novelty to an established field of practice over the past decades. This doesn’t mean that we are doing it well enough to meet the growing and evolving expectations of citizens in the digital age. Successive results of the OECD Trust Survey show that citizens feel that their voices are not heard, indicating that meaningful citizen engagement still needs to be further developed. Governments have not yet found the right balance between traditional representative mechanisms and participatory and deliberative processes. This session will offer an opportunity to review countries’ experiences and will discuss how the OECD can support them in pursuing more meaningful and measurable citizen participation processes beyond elections, including through the use of emerging civic technologies and artificial intelligence.

(Auditorium Testori, English/French interpretation, available via Livestream) Data shows growing divides along gender, education and age lines when it comes to democracy and trust in institutions. In countries as diverse as Germany, the Republic of Korea, Tunisia and the United States this gap is a growing phenomenon. But what does this mean?

(Sala Marco Biagi) Better informed citizens now expect quality, accessible public administrative services which meet the standards of inclusive societies. This session will explore successful government experiences in meeting people's expectations for quality, accessible and tailored services. From enhancing user experiences to transforming service delivery using AI, the session will provide cutting-edge insights and discuss how to implement the new OECD Recommendation on Human-centred Public Administrative Services.

(Auditorium Testori, English/French interpretation, available via Livestream) Successfully addressing climate change and other environmental goals is a challenge for democratic governments – they need to show that they are fit to handle long-term, complex, interconnected and systemic challenges, manage difficult trade-offs and achieve wider well-being outcomes. None of this can be done without the understanding and meaningful engagement of citizens. This parallel session will take an in-depth look at the range of concrete actions required to bring citizens on board with the green transition.

(Sala Marco Solesin) The rule of law and access to justice are foundational pillars for democratic governance – essential for the protection of human rights, law enforcement and the overall functioning of democratic societies. This session will highlight innovative strategies and collaborative efforts to strengthen a people-centered rule of law and enhance access to justice globally.

(Sala Marco Biagi) This parallel session will discuss the achievements and challenges of rebuilding and strengthening democratic governance systems, the importance of resilient public institutions, and the impact of Russia's on-going war of aggression for the future of democracy in the European Eastern Partnership Region.