IODC18

Open Data in Latin America and the Caribbean has shown notable gains during the last five years, and the achievements are numerous. More governments have advanced in the establishment of national open data policies, while the regional ecosystem has flourished, taking on joint agreements in the use of open data to combat violence against women and corruption, among others. Multiple Presidential mandates have placed open data at the top of the regional political agenda. Also, the Open Data Latin American Initiative (ILDA) and the Caribbean Open Institute (COI) had collaborated to support a great deal of progress in the two regions. Although it hasn’t been easy, perhaps the region is on the brink of even further growth on open data, given the level of readiness in multiple countries. In this session, we will first reflect on how the region was able to advance in light of the recent achievements, while on the other hand, analyze on how best to continue moving forward at a vibrant pace and consistency that embraces all countries.