The Lithuanian branch of Transparency International organized a five-day program for this year’s participants from around the world. Held in Vilnius from 30 June to 4 July, the event gathered over 90 promising young leaders and focused on integrity, good governance, democracy, anti-corruption efforts, and, this year in particular, civic participation. Embassy of the Czech Republic in Vilnius was one of the event’s partners, and thanks to the participation of Czech experts, it had the opportunity to showcase Czech know-how and successful projects!
Czech experts contributed to the theme of civic participation, which was the focus of the Transparency School program’s second day. Their interactive presentation covered various aspects, approaches, and methods of participation. Delivered in the form of a discussion held in front of thematic posters, the session allowed participants to pose specific questions, draw inspiration from local solutions, and explore ways to apply them in their own countries and communities. The Czech expert team included Tereza Fasurová from the Prague Institute of Planning and Development (IPR), Zuzana Khendriche Trhlínová from the Ministry of Regional Development, and Eva Gregorová and Linda Seitlerová from Brno City Hall. They shared insights and practical advice on how to involve citizens in participatory programs, while reflecting on the impact of such engagement on democratic processes and public administration.
Eva Gregorová and Linda Seitlerová presented the “Dáme na Vás” (“It is up to You”) initiative, with particular emphasis on participatory budgeting projects in schools. This initiative aims to promote not only democratic thinking among children, but also responsibility and a sense of connection with their environment. The project was awarded the 2023 Innovation in Public Administration Award.
Zuzana Khendriche Trhlínová introduced digital tools to support civic participation, including mobile apps and AI-based chatbots.
Tereza Fasurová presented the “Your City, Your Space” project, which focuses on participatory planning in selected areas of Prague. It also has an educational component. For instance, primary school pupils engage in activities that teach them about urban space and civic involvement through games, neighborhood walks, and group activities.
During a critical discussion on the expectations and objectives of civic engagement, Tereza Fasurová shared practical examples from her work in urban planning. She joined a debate with Matthew Staas, a U.S.-based civic engagement specialist, and Peter Varga from the Open Government Partnership. Topics included ensuring citizen participation across all levels of government, the impact of engagement on democracy, and the challenges of "participation fatigue" and long-term sustainability.
The participation of Czech experts in this international summer school was made possible by a project funded by the Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs as part of its support for implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.