UNDP publishes digital participation guide to empower civic action

A newly published guide by People Powered and UNDP aims to connect people in their communities through inclusive, locally relevant digital participation platforms. Designed with local governments, civic groups, and organisations in mind, it highlights digital platforms that enable inclusive, action-oriented civic engagement. According to the UNDP,  the guide covers the latest trends, including the integration of AI features, and addresses challenges such as digital inclusion, data privacy, accessibility, and sustainability.

This is especially important for civil society because it provides practical tools that help communities move from passive consultation to meaningful participation in governance. By offering guidance on accessible, adaptable, and secure platforms, the guide strengthens the ability of civil society organisations to amplify citizen voices, ensure marginalised groups are included, and hold decision-makers accountable. For civil society actors, such platforms are not only a means of engagement but also a way to build trust, foster transparency, and shape policies that better reflect the needs of the people.

The guide focuses on actively maintained, publicly available platforms, typically offered through cloud-based software (SaaS) models, and prioritises flexible, multi-purpose tools over single-use options. While recognising the dominance of platforms from wealthier countries, it makes a deliberate effort to feature case studies and tools from the Global Majority. Political advocacy platforms, internal government tools, and issue-reporting apps are excluded to keep the focus on technologies that drive meaningful public participation. Lastly, the guide emphasises the importance of local context and community empowerment, encouraging a shift from passive input to meaningful public influence in governance.