The OECD will host the second edition of the Global Forum on Building Trust and Reinforcing Democracy on 21-22 October at the Palazzo Lombardia in Milan. The biennial event, co-organised with the Government of Italy, is based around an action-oriented agenda to rebuild trust in public institutions and discuss the key public governance challenges facing democracies.

This year’s gathering will see participants from around the world share new thinking, insights and evidence on the theme, “Breaking New Ground for the Future of Democracy: Dignity – Security – Trust”. This will include debate and discussion on what new and old democracies can learn from one another in navigating complex global challenges, as well as on the critical reforms and innovations needed to ensure that democracies remain resilient.

Looking at new evidence on the evolution of the drivers of trust in public institutions, speakers and participants will discuss emerging government practices while taking into account structural evolutions such as the rise of artificial intelligence and the need to build consensus around climate action.

During the Global Forum, the OECD will launch a new Recommendation on Human-Centred Public Administrative Services which sets a clear, common framework to support governments as they develop and implement public services that prioritise human experience throughout their design and delivery. The Recommendation seeks to ensure that users are supported through their interactions with public administrative services, particularly during major life events. For instance, having a baby, buying a house, starting a business, getting married or divorced, becoming unemployed, or experiencing the death of a family member.

Panel discussions will explore enhancing representation and citizen participation, strengthening information integrity and tackling disinformation as well as ensuring governments are ready for both the digital and green transitions. 

The latest agenda is online and updated regularly. Details of side events, including the Africa Governance Platform, can also be found online.

The Forum is open to media. Journalists may register here to participate on site or virtually.

For further information or to arrange interviews, journalists should contact the OECD Media Office (+33 1 45 24 97 00).

Working with over 100 countries, the OECD is a global policy forum that promotes policies to preserve individual liberty and improve the economic and social well-being of people around the world.