CEPAL concludes training on digital and smart governance for Latin American governments

The Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (CEPAL) wrapped up the in-person phase of its international course ‘From Digital Government to Smart Government’ in Santiago, Chile. Over 20 participants from 13 countries in the region engaged in discussions on data management and digital solutions for public administration. The countries that took part in the course included Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, and the Dominican Republic. The program combined six virtual weeks and one in-person session, bringing together government, private sector, academic, and civil society representatives. The course aimed to equip participants with the knowledge to design and implement digital transformation projects, improve evidence-based decision-making, and foster data-driven public policies. During the event, CEPAL and UN representatives emphasized that moving toward smart governments involves more than just technology—it requires cultural transformation and a focus on creating public value. The in-person phase, held at CEPAL’s Digital Transformation Lab, was part of the ‘Digital Transformation for Regional Integration’ project, a collaboration between CEPAL, GIZ, and Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development. The course highlighted the importance of cross-border collaboration and exchange of best practices to strengthen public sector capabilities in Latin America and the Caribbean.