Digital transformation is changing how governments deliver public services. Artificial intelligence, data and automation are opening new opportunities to make institutions more efficient, transparent and responsive to citizens' needs. But technology alone cannot transform government. Lasting change depends on the people leading it.
In Guatemala, strengthening the digital capabilities of public servants has become a national priority. As the Government advances its Digital Transformation Plan, investment in people is helping lay the foundations for a more modern, innovative and citizen-centred public administration.
One example is the Public Management in the Digital Era programme, which recently celebrated the graduation of its first cohort. The initiative equips public officials with the skills needed to lead digital transformation across government while encouraging practical solutions to improve public services.
Building the foundations for digital government
Around the world, governments are embracing digital technologies to improve service delivery, strengthen decision-making and make institutions more accessible. Yet these ambitions can only be achieved when public institutions have the capacity to manage change.
Recognizing this, Guatemala has placed capacity development at the centre of its digital transformation agenda. The Public Management in the Digital Era programme, implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) together with the National Institute of Public Administration (INAP), helps public officials develop the knowledge and leadership needed to navigate an increasingly digital public sector.
Over four cohorts, the programme will train more than 140 public servants from over 20 government institutions. Participants explore topics ranging from public innovation and interoperability to artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data analytics and digital productivity, while applying these lessons to real institutional challenges.
Turning learning into action
The programme goes beyond technical training by encouraging participants to develop practical projects that respond to challenges within their own institutions.
The first cohort brought together 33 public officials from institutions including the Secretariat of Planning and Programming of the Presidency, the Ministry of Public Finance, the National Civil Service Office, the National Commission against Corruption, the Private Secretariat of the Presidency and the Open and Electronic Government Commission.
Working across institutional boundaries also created opportunities for collaboration, helping participants exchange ideas and develop a shared vision for digital transformation across government.
Putting citizens at the centre
The projects developed during the programme demonstrate how digital transformation can improve people's everyday interactions with public institutions.
Participants proposed solutions to streamline pension services, strengthen transparency through open data, support anti-corruption efforts, improve assistance for vulnerable populations and enhance monitoring and evaluation systems that enable more evidence-based public decision-making.
While diverse in focus, each proposal reflects a common goal of making public services more accessible, responsive and effective for citizens.
Many of these ideas now have the potential to be adapted and implemented within participating institutions, helping translate classroom learning into lasting improvements across the public sector.
A partnership for inclusive digital transformation
The Public Management in the Digital Era programme forms part of the Joint Programme Enabling Digital Transformation and Improving Public Service Delivery at Scale in Guatemala, implemented by UNDP, UNICEF and UNESCO.
Supported by the European Union through the Global Gateway initiative and the Joint SDG Fund, the programme is strengthening institutional capacity while supporting a more inclusive approach to digital transformation.
By investing in public servants, Guatemala is demonstrating that digital transformation is ultimately about more than adopting new technologies. It is about equipping the people behind government with the skills and confidence to build institutions that deliver better services and improve people's lives.
Originally published by UNDP Guatemala.
Note:
All joint programmes of the Joint SDG Fund are led by UN Resident Coordinators and implemented by the agencies, funds, and programmes of the United Nations development system. With sincere appreciation for the contributions from the European Union and Governments of Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Monaco, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, the Republic of Korea, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the Arab Gulf Programme for Development for a transformative movement towards achieving the SDGs by 2030.
