The article argues that Panama is experiencing a crisis of democratic culture and political disengagement, particularly among young people who distrust traditional institutions. To address this stagnation, it proposes leveraging the high digital connectivity of younger generations to foster a new form of civic engagement. By shifting from passive consumption to active participation, society can transform digital literacy into a tool for strengthening democratic values and overcoming the apathy that hinders national development. This transition requires moving beyond electronic government services to embrace digital governance, which emphasizes two-way collaboration and transparency. The text highlights "technocivic" spaces where citizens use technology to monitor public spending, ensure environmental sustainability, and promote open data practices. This approach empowers communities to co-create policies, turning the widespread use of smartphones and social media into platforms for accountability and meaningful interaction with local and national authorities. The proposed solution is a hybrid e-learning and in-person initiative by Panama’s Ministry of Education and civil society to establish a School of Democracy and Open Government. This program aims to train students in public policy formulation, community leadership, and project oversight using accessible digital tools. It is highly relevant to open data because it operationalizes transparency and citizen co-creation, demonstrating how accessible information and digital platforms can actively cultivate an informed, participatory citizenry capable of driving sustainable public development.
Source:Published on 2023-03-16