Cities, Democracy, and Open Source

This session will explore the relationship between democracy and open source, with a particular focus on the role of Cities. It will examine how promoting open-source technologies can help democratise cities by enhancing transparency, auditability, and digital autonomy, while enabling more participatory and inclusive digital policies. The discussion will also address why open source is a key element in building stronger democratic systems and how cities can better engage citizens in shaping public digital infrastructures.

Bringing together some internationally leading cities, the session will foster in the exchange of strategies and practices, as well as encourage cooperation in technological innovation and sharing digital policies. Among them, Barcelona will present one of its flagship initiatives, Decidim, as a concrete example of how open-source tools can empower citizen participation and strengthen democratic governance at the local level.

Partners: Barcelona, Decidim, Cities Coalition for Digital Rights, UN-ODET