LegisTech for Democracy - 1st Edition | In times of Crisis, Parliaments can not stop

Recognising the International Day for Democracy, Bússola Tech had the privilege of hosting in September 2020 the inaugural "LegisTech for Democracy," a momentous digital forum. Set amidst the challenging circumstances brought on by the first year of the global Covid-19 pandemic, this forum witnessed the necessity for innovation in maintaining the effective functioning of institutions worldwide, particularly those at the heart of democracy: our legislative bodies.

Honouring this event, approximately twenty distinguished Parliament Houses globally rose to the occasion, illustrating resilience and adaptability in the face of adversity. The participants included:

• Asamblea Nacional of Ecuador
• Assembleia Legislativa de São Paulo | Brazil
• Assembleia Legislativa do Rio de Janeiro | Brazil
• Assembleia Nacional of Cape Verde
• Assembly of the People's Representatives of Tunisia
• Cámara de Diputadas y Diputados of Chile
• Câmara dos Deputados of Brazil
• Câmara Municipal de Campinas | Brazil
• Câmara Municipal de Marabá | Brazil
• Câmara Municipal de Novo Hamburgo | Brazil
• Câmara Municipal de Patos | Brazil
• Câmara Municipal de Porto Alegre | Brazil
• Câmara Municipal de Pouso Alegre | Brazil
• Chancellery of the Riigikogu of Estonia
• Congreso de Diputados of Spain
• EU Parliament
• House of Commons of Canada
• Knesset
• National Assembly of Zambia
• Pan-African Parliament
• ParlAmericas
• Parliament of South Africa
• Parliament of Trinidad and Tobago
• Senado de España | Spain
• Senado de la República of Mexico
• Senado Federal of Brazil
• U.S. House of Representatives
• UK Parliament
• Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine
  

Each participant imparted their unique journey of implementing remote deliberation projects to sustain legislative functions under pandemic-related constraints. This was an unparalleled opportunity to share insights into the digital transformation efforts that became crucial for ensuring the continuity of democratic processes in these trying times.

In this one-of-a-kind gathering of national parliaments, public servants, parliamentarians, and private entrepreneurs alike fostered a burgeoning community dedicated to embracing the digital era. Their collective commitment and dedication underscored a united front to uphold democratic principles, demonstrating the potential of technology as a powerful ally in this endeavour.