Connecting Citizens
Global Digital Leaders Explore Ways to Strengthen Government Through Technology
Technologists and digital experts from around the world are in the United States from October 24 to November 4 to explore ways to modernize service delivery in government.
South African Gabriella Razzano, human rights lawyer and head of research at the Open Democracy Advice Centre (ODAC), is one of the participants in the program.
Razzano is focused on access to information, freedom of expression, and is a founding director of Code for South Africa (Code4SA).
Just last week Code4SA launched the web platform Municipal Money — a collaboration with South Africa’s Department of Treasury. This new tool makes local government funding and budgets more accessible for ordinary citizens throughout South Africa.
The Global Digital Leaders Exchange is part of efforts by the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) and the State Department to strengthen Digital Government globally and look at ways to apply technology innovation within government.
The 21 digital leaders began their program in Washington, D.C. by participating in an interactive design workshop, organized by OSTP, the U.S. Digital Service, and the State Department’s Collaboratory.
The exercise focused on identifying and developing targeted work plans for modern, data-driven digital services for each participant’s respective government.
Next: Razzano was part of a group that visited Columbus, Ohio examining “Smart City” innovations, while another group traveled to Detroit, Michigan learning how technology has impacted the city’s urban renewal efforts.
The exchange is concluding in San Francisco, California this week with participation in the Code for America Summit and site visits in Silicon Valley.
Throughout the program, these digital leaders are exploring how governments at the local, state, and federal levels apply tech-sector expertise to policy challenges. Through meetings with colleagues in U.S. Government innovation labs, civic data and technology organizations, and leading technology companies, participants will grow the Digital Government network internationally.
Participants are from Canada, Estonia, Indonesia, Jordan, Kenya, Mexico, Nepal, New Zealand, the Philippines, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Tunisia, and the United Kingdom.
