OECD Global Forum: Building Trust and Reinforcing Democracy

OECD Global Forum & Public Governance Ministerial Meeting
Building Trust and Reinforcing Democracy

Luxembourg, 17-18 November 2022

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About the Global Forum

The Global Forum  allowed participants to collectively explore an action-oriented agenda to rebuild trust in public institutions and discuss the key public governance challenges for democracy. Building on the work under the OECD’s Reinforcing Democracy Initiative, discussions focused on how to:
  • Combat mis- and dis-information
  • Improve representation, participation, and openness in public life
  • Transform public governance for digital democracy
  • Gear up government to deliver on climate and other environmental challenges
  • Embrace the global responsibilities of government and build resilience to foreign influence

Discussions were underpinned by the results of the first OECD Survey on the Drivers of Trust in Public Institutions.




Global Forum Agenda

Key issues

Tackling misinformation  and disinformation

The increased spread of mis- and dis-information significantly alters public debates, fuels polarisation, and threatens democracy and stability.  Policy responses need to address the role of social media platforms and identify innovative regulatory solutions that improve the information space and preserve freedom of speech.  A whole of society approach is needed, requiring new types of partnerships between governments, civil society, and on some issues, social media.

Reinforcing integrity and countering undue influence

From elections to policy implementation, integrity ensures that everybody has a voice, that elected officials properly represent and respond to the interests of their constituencies, that there is no undue influence of government policies. Integrity also helps to strengthen resilience to foreign interference by non-democracies. How can governments go further and strengthen integrity in elections, politics, and policymaking?

Youth empowerment and intergenerational justice

OECD data show that younger people tend to have lower trust in public institutions. They also continue to lack a voice in public life. The COVID-19 crisis has affected young people disproportionately, with likely consequences on their trust in public institutions. How can governments empower young people in democratic processes and promote the well-being of today’s young and future generations, also in the context of ageing populations?

Protecting civic space and enhancing participation and representation

While in many countries, civic space is under strain and political participation is declining, democracies are renewing their commitment to civil liberties with innovative ways to meaningfully involve citizens in public decision-making. We will explore how new forms of citizen participatory and deliberative institutions are contributing to expanding civic participation and political representation, and helping to build trust between citizens and the state.

I Citizen, Digital democracy


Reinforcing and renewing democracy in the digital age is a complex issue, which calls for exploring the critical opportunities that digitalisation provides, as well as government transparency, responsiveness, and accountability in this area. We will discuss what the digital age means for democracy and how governments are seizing the opportunities and addressing the challenges. 



Accountable public administrations for stronger democracies

Democracy, individual liberty, rule of law and a free market economy are crucial for peace, security and stability in the regions. Developing accountable institutions and sound public governance systems is a fundamental element of this endeavour. How can government, civil society, business, academia and media jointly promote accountable public administration that supports democracies?  



Toward Green Democracy: the role of Government

Countries need to advance democratic consensus building and secure trust for green policies engaging with citizens. The complete range of public governance tools needs to be revamped to address these pressing challenges for the long haul. How can governments achieve this transformation to prompt higher-quality public governance and democratic institutions that fit to deliver on green?


Addressing barriers to women’s democratic representation

Women’s representation and participation in public life continue to be hindered by long-standing and new barriers, including gender norms and stereotypes, work-life balance challenges, limited commitment by political parties, as well as harassment, cyber violence, and gender-based disinformation. What measures can governments take to prevent, address, and eliminate barriers effectively to promote stronger, more inclusive democracies?