While I was in Chile recently to give a presentation about the IFAC/Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) International Framework: Good Governance in the Public Sector, I learned about a new portal developed by the Chilean Supreme Audit Institution, Contraloría General de la República (CGR) de Chile, that is an excellent example of what good governance in the public sector looks like in practice.
CGR controls the Chilean state’s administration. One of its objectives is to promote a more transparent and participatory state, accountable for its actions. According to various international rankings, such as Transparency International and the Open Data Project, Chile is doing very well in being transparent and accountable, in both absolute terms and (even more so) in progress. The new portal, GEO-CGR, advances these as well.
The portal makes available to the general public information concerning public works nationwide. It features a map of Chile where users can drill down to access regional, provincial, and local data of public works in progress and completed. A video clip on YouTube provides a good overview of the portal and the ideas behind it (the video is in Spanish but is easy to follow). Of course, you can also try the portal out yourself.
Public engagement/citizen participation, transparency, and accountability are crucial pillars of good governance in the public sector and are part of why we developed the International Framework in the first place. Although we also developed a supplement with application guidance, examples, recommendations, and more at the same time, we know that more examples on good governance in action can only encourage imitation, inspiration, and further improvement.
Do you have examples of good public sector governance? Let us know—we would love to showcase your good governance in action.
