NovaGob México Congress explores public innovation and citizen participation

The II National Congress of Public Innovation, NovaGob México, is being held in Guadalajara, Jalisco, bringing together international representatives, governments, and civil society to discuss public sector challenges. Key themes include citizen participation, open government, artificial intelligence in the public sector, and urban transformation.

During the event, Enrique Galindo Ceballos, Mayor of San Luis Capital, presented the city’s model for citizen engagement. He detailed how the administration transitioned to a democratic system where 258 citizen participation boards are elected via direct vote. This model involves over 80,000 citizens in decisions regarding participatory budgeting, public works, and security through 855 citizen committees that utilize a digital platform for crime prevention.

Representing Spain, architect Ana Báez participated in the congress by leading a ‘Social Innovation Laboratory’ workshop. Báez, associated with the Ayuntamiento de Valverde del Camino and the NovaGob España Foundation, utilized practical case studies to teach methodologies for addressing complex public problems through collective experimentation and collaboration.