Source of the picture: City of Sveta Nedelja
Author: Tena FranÄŤeski
How can the city improve transparency in its operations and promote greater citizen engagement with municipal activities?
Sveta Nedelja is the leading city in the Republic of Croatia when it comes to innovative solutions for accessing information and improving communication with the city's residents. Sveta Nedelja has prioritized transparency and effective communication as key pillars of its governance. Through various technological advancements, the city has revolutionized how information is accessed and disseminated, leading to greater citizen engagement and participation in municipal affairs.
Sveta Nedelja's Transparency Webpage is a platform dedicated to openness, accountability, and citizen engagement. In today's governance landscape, transparency is paramount for fostering trust and collaboration between governments and citizens. Sveta Nedelja, situated in Croatia, has taken a significant step forward by launching this webpage, which serves as a hub for accessible information on municipal activities and decision-making processes.
Sveta Nedelja's Transparency Webpage is designed to provide citizens with easy access to comprehensive information about municipal affairs. By consolidating this information in one online space, the municipality aims to promote transparency, accountability, and citizen participation. Through detailed reports, updates, and interactive features, the webpage empowers citizens to stay informed and actively engage in shaping the future of their community.
In addition to enhancing governance transparency, Sveta Nedelja's Transparency Webpage contributes to the city's efforts towards climate neutrality. By providing transparent information on climate-related initiatives and progress, the webpage enables citizens to support and participate in climate action.
An innovative approach
In the realm of modern governance, Sveta Nedelja in Croatia has distinguished itself as an innovator, particularly evident in its pioneering app aimed at enhancing citizen engagement and transparency. This progressive approach is transforming the interaction between the city and its residents, serving as a model for effective governance.
At the core of Sveta Nedelja's initiative is a fundamental commitment to democratizing access to information and fostering a more inclusive decision-making process. Through the innovative app, the municipality is dismantling traditional barriers that hinder citizen participation in local affairs. By providing communication channels and easy access to relevant information, residents are empowered to actively engage with governance processes, fostering a greater sense of ownership and accountability within the community.
Moreover, Sveta Nedelja's adoption of digital platforms underscores its dedication to efficiency and responsiveness in governance. By centralizing communication and service delivery through the app, the municipality is streamlining administrative processes and optimizing resource allocation to better address the needs of its constituents. This proactive approach not only enhances the municipality's ability to meet evolving societal demands but also positions Sveta Nedelja as a dynamic leader in modern governance practices.
Additionally, the platforms's design reflects a commitment to inclusivity and accessibility, ensuring that all residents, regardless of background or circumstance, can actively participate in civic affairs. This emphasis on inclusivity fosters a sense of belonging and community cohesion, reinforcing the municipality's commitment to social justice and equity.
Sveta Nedelja's innovative platform represents more than just a technological solution—it signifies a significant shift towards a more transparent, participatory, and responsive model of governance. By embracing digital tools and prioritizing citizen engagement, Sveta Nedelja is reshaping the relationship between government and citizens, paving the way towards a more vibrant and inclusive democratic future.
Main positive lessons
• By centralizing information on a dedicated webpage and ensuring it is user-friendly and comprehensible, the city can effectively engage citizens and promote transparency.
• Providing citizens with access to information and opportunities for engagement allows them to feel more invested in their community and contributes to a more inclusive decision-making process.
• The project underscores the value of embracing technological innovations to overcome barriers to information access and facilitate communication between the municipality and its residents.
Main barriers found
• Despite efforts to promote online accessibility, disparities in digital literacy and access to technology can pose barriers to citizen engagement. Addressing the digital divide requires additional initiatives to ensure all residents have equal opportunities to access information and participate in municipal affairs.
• Implementing transparency initiatives may face resistance from within the municipality or from stakeholders accustomed to traditional methods of governance. Overcoming resistance to change requires effective communication, stakeholder engagement, and a commitment to demonstrating the benefits of transparency and citizen engagement.
Potential for replication and scale-up:
Next to Sveta Nedelja, the City of Zagreb also operates a transparency platform, albeit less detailed, showcasing the potential for replication and scale-up of such initiatives. Replication would involve establishing similar platforms in other municipalities, while scale-up would require customization to meet the unique needs and preferences of each local community.
Picture source: Sveta Nedelja Transparency platform - part of the platform where citizens can report problems in the city