GOVERNMENTS SHOULD STRENGTHEN PUBLIC TRUST BY IMPROVING EFFICIENCY, CITIZEN ENGAGEMENT AND ACCESS TO PUBLIC SERVICES Source: caribbeannewsglobal.com, News Editor, First Published June 20, 2025 Governments can strengthen public trust by ensuring meaningful public engagement in decision-making, using tools such as spending reviews and digital technologies to increase efficiency and enhancing access to justice and public services, according to a new OECD report. Government at a Glance 2025 highlights the mounting fiscal pressures across OECD countries, with public debt reaching 112 percent of GDP in 2024 – up from 73 percent in 2007. The report shows how these fiscal pressures come as action is needed to respond to demographic, green and digital transitions, and low levels of public trust, with fewer than four in ten people (39%) across OECD countries reporting trust in their national government, and only 37percent believing their government effectively balances the interests of current and future generations. “Governments today need to foster citizens’ trust as they manage immediate fiscal pressures and navigate long-term structural transformations, including demographic change, the green transition and digitalisation,” OECD secretarygeneral Mathias Cormann said. “Government at a Glance 2025 provides evidence-based recommendations to ensure efficient and effective public service delivery that responds to citizens’ expectations and needs, while strengthening government finances and laying the foundation for strong, sustainable and inclusive growth.” Published every two years, Government at a Glance is the OECD’s flagship publication on public governance, providing a comprehensive overview of government activities and performance.The 2025 edition presents the latest available data on government finances, employment, institutions, budgeting practices, risk management, and citizen satisfaction. Drawing on the evidence in this year’s report, the OECD outlines three key areas where governments can work to strengthen public trust and promote prosperity. Enhancing citizens’ sense of dignity in their interactions with government by strengthening meaningful public engagement in decision-making is a key recommendation. Only 30 percent of people on average believe the political system in their country allows citizens to have a say in government actions, and there are opportunities to enhance the quality of stakeholder engagement in the legislative process. To boost citizen engagement, governments are increasingly Opening Lines 7 BUSINESS VIEW CARIBBEAN VOLUME 12, ISSUE 06
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