What makes people trust—or distrust—public institutions? How can citizen participation be strengthened through closer and more sustainable relationships between citizens and government?

These are some of the questions that guided the project “Strengthening Institutional Trust Through Behavioral Insights in Colombia”, developed by Fundación Corona and Columbia University.

Drawing on evidence reviews, expert interviews, and focus groups conducted in Bogotá, Barranquilla, and Yumbo, this research explores the main drivers of institutional distrust and offers practical recommendations grounded in behavioral science to strengthen trust and citizen participation. 

What will you find in this document?

• Key findings on the factors that influence citizens’ trust in local governments.

• Reflections on the role of citizen participation in building trust.

• Evidence on how experiences, perceptions, and mental models shape the relationship between citizens and institutions.

• Recommendations for designing more effective, transparent, and meaningful participatory processes.
  

This document provides insights and practical tools for organizations, local governments, and stakeholders interested in strengthening democracy through collaboration, participation, and trust-building.

Study: Strengthening institutional trust using behavioral sciences in Colombia