This week, CoST, the Infrastructure Transparency Initiative is sharing key insights on social auditing and open data at ABRELATAM and CONDATOS 2025, the leading event on open data in Latin America and the Caribbean, in Bolivia.
On 23 July, CoST facilitated the interactive workshop “Collective Intelligence in Action: University Social Auditing for Data-Based Public Decision-Making”, led by Manuel González, Senior Regional Manager for Latin America, with the participation of 30 attendees.
The session showcased the experiences and recommendations of university students who applied social auditing methodologies to public infrastructure projects in Panama and Mexico, drawing on case studies from ITESO University, TEC de Monterrey, and the University of Panama. Through dynamic activities and real-life examples, the workshop demonstrated how citizen oversight and access to open data can strengthen accountability and promote the responsible use of public funds.
During the session, participants proposed new indicators to audit relevant data points, shared experiences from Mexico and Panama, and developed communication strategies to disseminate findings via social media, traditional media, and university and community channels. Additionally, concrete ideas were generated to follow up on recommendations arising from the social audits.
“At CoST, we recognise the importance of these regional spaces in building a more aware Latin American community around citizen monitoring, helping to replicate good practices across other academic institutions and local governments in the region”, said Manuel González.
Manuel leads the CoST strategy in Latin America, identifying key opportunities in the region and providing technical support to country managers and multi-stakeholder groups. He also contributes to CoST’s global learning and development strategy, ensuring that the initiative’s learning cycle reflects the needs of all members.
Advancing Public Infrastructure Transparency: David Zamora Presents the ITI. CoST’s second appearance took place on 24 July, with a presentation by David Zamora, lead author and International Coordinator of the Infrastructure Transparency Index (ITI) – one of CoST’s flagship tools. The ITI provides metrics on transparency levels and the quality of processes related to public infrastructure, based on assessments of the enabling environment at national or subnational level, the capacity of procuring entities, and the disclosure of project information.
Bringing together a diverse community committed to openness, innovation and citizen engagement, this annual gathering is one of the most important regional platforms for promoting transparent, inclusive, and evidence-based public governance.
ABRELATAM/CONDATOS has become a key space for activists, public officials, researchers, journalists, technologists, and civil society organisations to exchange experiences and collaborate on the open data and open government agenda in the region. This year marks the first time Bolivia is hosting the event, a milestone for strengthening data ecosystems that promote social justice, equity, and public accountability.
CoST, currently active in over 20 countries, promotes transparency, participation and accountability in infrastructure. Its participation in ABRELATAM and CONDATOS reaffirms the initiative’s commitment to transparency in the region and its role as a bridge between governments, civil society, academia, and international organisations.
At a time when public trust is more important than ever, CoST highlights how open data, social auditing and digital tools can serve as essential tools to strengthen integrity and ensure more effective public spending.
For more information on the event, visit: https://2025.abrelatam.org
