Government Representatives Research Articles

Gry interdyskursywne w rosyjskojęzycznych parodiach politycznych

Political parodies transcend the prevailing social hierarchies, opening the field for polemics with government representatives. They also provide a space for the contamination of two or more distant discourses. In their texts, parodists refer to the rules of creating texts and utterances of political discourse, while modifying their selected elements by means of interdiscursive games. The purpose of the study is to define the category of the interdiscursive game and to analyze its strategies based on the example of contemporary Russian parodies on political issues published on YouTube. The study examines interdiscursive games grouped according to the following classification: genre convention games, intertextual games, games at the level of different linguistic means, structural games involving extralinguistic signs. As a result of the analysis, parodic interdiscursive games were divided into two categories: first-degree references and further references. The references of the first degree consist in transferring the main imitated discourse to the discourse of the comic. The second type of games concerns parodic references to other discourses that are introduced to the main imitated discourse. Interdiscursive games of both types help to discover the mechanisms that shape the political discourse. Thus, parody, using borrowed schemes, reveals those meanings which were not expressed explicitly in the original texts and utterances.

Barriers to advancing the sexual and reproductive health agenda in Latin America: a qualitative study of key informants’ perspectives

BackgroundThe effective attainment of sexual, reproductive, and maternal health and rights (SRMHR) requires a holistic life-course approach. This approach should address disparities in healthcare access and rights, guarantee the delivery of high-quality care devoid of discrimination, and underscore rigorous accountability mechanisms throughout the implementation process. Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) countries face significant disparities in SRMHR within and between nations. Vulnerable populations, such as indigenous communities, Afro-descendants, LGBTQI + population, persons with disabilities, older adults, and migrants, often endure discrimination and stigmatization, severely impacting their access to healthcare and health rights. This paper presents the findings from the qualitative component of a broader mixed-methods scoping study aimed at establishing a priority research agenda to address healthcare gaps affecting the SRMHR of vulnerable populations. The qualitative component focused on identifying key challenges hindering progress in SRMHR and access to health services for these populations in the LAC region, drawing on the perspectives of key informants at both regional and national levels.MethodsQualitative research approach employing semi-structured interviews with key informants. A purposive sample comprised of stakeholders from relevant regional organizations and local stakeholders in selected countries (Argentina, Colombia, Peru, Mexico, Guatemala, Jamaica, and Guyana), encompassing government representatives, civil organizations, and academia. A rapid content thematic analysis was conducted to analyze the data obtained from the interviews.ResultsWe interviewed 27 key informants in SRMHR, six at a regional level and 21 at a country level. The region faces barriers around establishing and sustaining agency agendas, such as a lack of political will, political instability, and opposition from civil society groups regarding SRMHR agendas. Policy implementation presents difficulties due to insufficient and unstable funding, weaknesses in sexual and reproductive health programs, unequal policy implementation in federal countries, and the absence of evidence-based policies. The lack of high-quality data and quality indicators poses obstacles, leading to limitations in evidence generation. Access to SRMHR services faces barriers such as the low-quality provision of services, discrepancies between legislation and effective access, insufficient healthcare resources, and resistance from certain healthcare providers.ConclusionAddressing these multifaceted challenges will be crucial in advancing the agenda of sexual, reproductive, and maternal health rights and ensuring effective access to health services for the most vulnerable populations in the LAC region.

The fragmentation of democratic and ‘adat’ institutions in Aceh’s political elite after Helsinki: The failure of the concept of institution of social cohesion

This article analyzes the modes of organizing the political realm of society in Aceh, especially after the signing of the Helsinki MoU in 2005 by representatives of the Indonesian government and GAM as the two parties most interested in the social organization of Acehnese society. The post-conflict social and political phenomenon in Aceh is the fragmentation between democratic and customary institutions that can be directly observed by the public through their competition in local government elections. Former GAM leaders have chosen to revive Majelis Wali Nanggroe and Gampong as customary and cultural institutions to help the government organize the lives of Acehnese people post-conflict. This paper contends that the various relationships and networks of relationships present in institutional formations are understood and explained through the different rules and frameworks that define and regulate them. Data sources were collected through in-depth interviews with several key informants, such as former GAM members, DPRA members, university rectors, local Aceh mass media editors, and socio-political observers, field observations for eighteen days (5–22 August 2018), and literature studies. This qualitative research uses a new institutionalism approach that focuses on the dynamics of the social structure of Acehnese society, which was largely controlled by GAM before the Helsinki MoU and began to loosen after the elections and even formed fragmentation among former combatants in the struggle for leadership in local government institutions. This article finds that GAM elite divisions and conflicts after the conflict for official government positions occurred due to the absence of imagination of modes of organizing society that was able to connect structurally and functionally formal and informal institutions. Pragmatically, GAM leaders and negotiators tend to maintain identity politics as a resistance movement against the central government and at the same time, they continue to run governance in a special autonomy model that gives them a lot of constitutional, institutional and symbolic freedom.

The Ontology of Power: An Institutional and Axiological Aspect

The article contains the author’s reflections on the essence of political power. Its manifestations are considered in three phases: con- quest, realization and retention of power. The complex issue of combining domination (in fact, violence) with conscience and morality is analyzed. The author’s approach is characterized by a combination of a scientific paradigm based on positivism and a theological paradigm. According to the author, for a long time the moral traditions formed with the inherent moral divine imperative of people certainly influenced the behavior of government representatives. But conscience really came to power along with faith, when the attitude towards people became a relationship with God. The article defines such concepts as “power”, “conscience”, “mentality”, “ideology”. It is argued that the combination of these concepts in the practice of political management is possible if the government takes into account the mental fields of the population and has a conscience – a complex sense of anticipating the possible consequences (including God’s punishment) of its actions.

프랑스 교육행정체제 및 교육감 제도의 특징 및 시사점

This study aims to analyze the key characteristics of the French educational administration system and the superintendent(recteur d’académie) system, and to explore the implications for improving the system in Korea. For this purpose, the study primarily utilized a literature analysis method, collecting and analyzing French government documents, European Union reports, and academic papers. The analysis yielded the following results: First, the French local education administration system ensures the unity and consistency of national education by harmonizing centralization and decentralization through a dual administrative structure that vertically distributes responsibilities between central and local governments and horizontally divides roles among local entities. Second, the title and role of the the French superintendent of education(recteur d’académie), the highest authority of the academy (académie) were established by the decree of 1854. Third, the recteur d’académie holds a dual status, within the academy as both the representative of the central government and the highest authority of the academy, overseeing all levels of education from early childhood to higher education. Fourth, a requirement for the appointment of the French superintendent is the highest academic degree in higher education, known as the 'habilitation' (qualification to supervise doctoral research), although a certain percentage of exceptions are permitted. Fifth, the recteur is a high-ranking public official appointed by the president upon the recommendation of the Minister of Education. The position has no set term, and academic and administrative competence are considered more important than political affiliation. Based on these findings, implications were presented.

Setting the game plan: an international Delphi study on evaluating a population-wide youth sports financial incentive

BackgroundChildren and adolescents’ physical inactivity is a global problem. Financial incentives are increasingly utilised to support children’s participation in sport, with programs introduced in multiple jurisdictions globally, however few programs have comprehensive evaluations. This study used a Delphi methodology to develop evaluation recommendations for an existing population-wide financial incentive program based in South Australia.MethodsA three-round Delphi study was conducted from October 2022 to April 2023. A diverse range of stakeholders including end-users, government representatives, academics/researchers, and Non-Government Organisation representatives participated in the Delphi panel. Round 1 focussed on the perceived importance of various evaluation components, including reach, process, and effectiveness. Round 2 focussed on identifying evaluation approaches and tools, while Round 3 determined methodological priorities and timeframes. A consensus level of ≥ 70% was set a priori (rating 6 or 7 on 7-point scale). Round 3 results were used to formulate evaluation recommendations.ResultsSixty-seven stakeholders agreed to participate, with an average response rate of 76% (87%; 73% and 67% for each round, respectively). All evaluation components gained consensus in Round 1. In Round 2, consensus was gained on 14 evaluation measures, including measuring the cost of sport, awareness of the program amongst eligible families, and reasons for non-participation, with evaluation methods generated for each measure. Round 3 results determined participants’ preferred methods of evaluation and informed the development of evaluation recommendations. Recommended evaluation methods included mixed method approaches for provider and user process evaluations and measuring program awareness using an epidemiological survey.ConclusionThis Delphi study sought the views and opinions from diverse stakeholders to create evaluation recommendations for a population-wide sports voucher program. Results suggested that a comprehensive evaluation strategy is needed to understand the reach, effectiveness, and impact of the program. Additionally, there was a consensus on reallocating program funds for this evaluation.

Policy formulation and actor roles in the expanded Kenyan free maternity policy (Linda Mama): A policy analysis.

In 2013, Kenya implemented free maternity services, later expanded in 2016 into the 'Linda Mama' policy to provide essential health services for pregnant women. This study explored the policy formulation background, processes, content, and actors' roles in formulation and implementation. Using a convergent parallel mixed-methods case study design, we reviewed documents and conducted in-depth interviews with national stakeholders, county officials, and healthcare workers. We applied a theoretical framework capturing the background and context, processes, content, and actors. The study spanned national, county, and facility levels within Kenya's health system. Data were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using a framework thematic approach. Findings showed that political imperatives and global and national goals shaped the expanded policy, drawing on previous learnings. Actor power played a crucial role in shaping policy direction, reflecting their interests and capacity to influence decisions. The policy aimed to improve coverage and administrative efficiency, with NHIF becoming the primary purchaser of services to ensure sustainability and address legal challenges. The policy design, marked by conflicts and time pressures, required a collaborative approach to reconcile design and costing differences. Despite differing interests, discussions and dialogues were essential for leadership and conflict management, culminating in key policy documents. A committee was established for stakeholders to freely discuss and debate the policy design, enabling relevant players to devise solutions and fostering joint commitment for implementation. Government officials, development partners, and representatives significantly influenced policy formulation. Beneficiary representatives had limited awareness of public participation opportunities. National and county actors supported achieving audit, research, financing, and strategic operational goals crucial for policy implementation. In conclusion, this study highlights the continued significance of policy analysis frameworks and theories in understanding the complex nature of policy development. These findings offer valuable insights for countries designing or redesigning healthcare policies and provide relevant information to academic communities.

Determinants of intention to adopt blockchain technology in oil & gas sector in Iraq

Blockchain technology is poised to significantly transform the corporate world, heralding a new era of innovation and efficiency. Over the past few years, its impact has been noted by leaders, academics, and government representatives around the globe this growing interest underscores businesses’ need to evolve and reconsider traditional operational models. To remain competitive, organizations must embrace this change. Before introducing such ground-breaking technology, it is crucial to assess the motivations of primary stakeholders concerning its implementation. This study looks into what influences the use of Blockchain technology in the oil and gas sector, primarily using a quantitative survey of Iraqi oil and gas companies. A questionnaire was distributed among 250 top-level managers, senior executives, project managers, and IT managers for analyzing the data, the study employs the Structural Equation Modelling-Partial Least Squares (SEM-PLS) technique, with Smart PLS for data processing. The findings suggest that the intention to utilise blockchain technology is influenced by one’s attitude towards it. Competitive pressure (environmental factors), functional benefit, and privacy/security (technological factors) significantly affect blockchain adoption intention. Nevertheless, there was no discernible correlation between regulatory backing and the desire to use Blockchain. Additionally, cost concern and perceived risk (organizational factors) two factors contribute negatively to the perception of blockchain technology. Besides the direct relationship, the findings revealed that attitude toward blockchain technology mediate the relationship between cost concern, perceived risk, and intention to adopt Blockchain. Built upon the Technology-Organization-Environment (TOE) model and the Theory of Reasoned Action, this research offers a comprehensive framework for investigating the intention to adopt blockchain technology. The results enhance both theoretical understanding and practical implementation by providing valuable insights into the emerging area of blockchain adoption intentions.

The Financial Gap Arising from the Local Government’s Educational Tasks and the Sustainable Development of Communes in Poland

In Poland, responsibility for educational tasks has mainly been delegated to local governments, although the state still plays a decisive role. Municipalities finance these tasks using educational subsidies and targeted grants from the central budget. Because transfers from the state budget cover an ever-decreasing share of the costs of educational tasks, municipalities increasingly need to engage their own resources. Such a situation (due to the limited funds of these units) poses a threat to the proper implementation of other tasks, which may ultimately negatively affect their sustainable development. This study aimed to determine the impact of the financial gap from implementing educational tasks on the sustainable development of communes and cities with county rights. The research primarily employed linear ordering methods and Spearman’s rho correlation. It also employed the nonparametric Kruskal–Wallis test and the Page test for trends. This study utilized two types of data: secondary data from Statistics Poland covering 2477 municipalities and primary data collected through a survey of 482 local government representatives. The correlation analysis revealed that sustainable development indicators decreased as the financial gap widened between 2012 and 2022. The highest correlation coefficients were observed in all communes combined and in cities with county rights. The weakest correlations between the financial gap and sustainable development were found in urban municipalities. Representatives of local governments had similar observations. According to 63.1% of respondents, the imbalance between funds transferred from the state budget for educational tasks and the expenditure incurred by the municipality for this purpose negatively affects the sustainable development of local governments.

Türk genel sağlık sigortası kapsamında sunulan sağlık hizmetlerinin sosyal koruma tabanları yaklaşımına göre finansman bakımından değerlendirilmesi

The Social Protection Floors Recommendation No. 202, adopted on 14 June 2012, was approved by tripartite consensus with the acceptance vote of 452 of the government, employee and employer representatives from 185 countries participating in the 101st Labour Conference of the ILO (Işık, 2012, s. 240; ILO, 2014, s. 1-4). Social Protection Floors established according to the Recommendation were designed by ILO as a three-tier structure. Accordingly, while the first tier includes basic income and health insurance, the second tier consists of premium social security guarantees and the third tier consists of voluntary social security guarantees. The aim of the Recommendation is to provide a roadmap for Member States to build up their social protection floors and to achieve universal social security standards, even at a minimum level. In this way, social protection can be provided to as many individuals as For the abstract text, select possible and social inequalities and extreme poverty can be prevented. In this context, one of the important factors in achieving the main objective expressed in the Recommendation.

Community Based and Mixed Targeting on Performance of Cash Transfer Projects in Baidoa District, Somalia

Cash transfers serve as vital tools for social protection, but their effectiveness depends significantly on the precision of beneficiary targeting. The research specifically evaluates the influence of community-based, geographical, mixed, and self-targeting mechanisms on project outcomes. Employing the social capital, social interdependence, and rational action theories, the study underscores the value of social networks, mutual support, and rational decision-making in effective targeting. This study targeted 58 respondents from 18 cash transfer projects in Baidoa, including project managers, monitoring and evaluation officers, government representatives, and donor representatives. The findings reveal that community based targeting (α = 0.123, p-value > 0.05), and mixed targeting (α = 0.120, p-value > 0.05) approaches positively but non-significantly influence cash transfer projects. From the study, community based targeting and mixed targeting positively influence project performance, though not significantly. While each targeting approach contributes to project success, an integrated strategy combining multiple methods enhances accuracy and effectiveness. This approach mitigates the limitations of individual methods by leveraging their collective strengths. Future cash transfer projects should adopt a broad-based targeting mechanism that is adaptable to the specific situational and contextual dynamics of the project environment. Such a strategy is crucial for ensuring that the most vulnerable populations receive the intended benefits, thereby improving the overall impact of humanitarian interventions in fragile contexts like Somalia.

The Approach of Finland and Sweden to the Soviet and Nazi Occupations of the Baltic States in 1940–1944.

The rapid change in the status of the Baltic States at the beginning of the 1940s, led to erratic and mixed reactions of the outside world, while the struggle of dependent nations for their statehood established a certain place for the Baltic States in the international community. The study analyses the attitude of two Nordic countries – Sweden and Finland – to the three countries that lost their independence during the period of the first two occupations in 1940–1944. So far, historians have not analysed this topic. Looking back on this relatively recent period of history, which was particularly difficult for the Baltic States, and at the position of the Nordic countries would allow to better assess cooperation opportunities of the countries of the Baltic Sea region arising in the twenty-first century and determine the importance of the Baltic States in cross-border relations in the Baltic Sea region. The aim of the study is to analyse in detail the official position of Finland and Sweden, and the attitudes of their peoples towards the Baltic States during the period of the first two occupations. The key focus of the study is analysis of the problem of recognition of the Soviet occupation and the annexation of the Baltic States by the Nordic countries. An important part of the analysis involves the study of the correspondence of Lithuanian diplomats working in the Nordic countries: this would allow a better understanding of public sentiment in Finland and Sweden regarding the two occupational regimes in the Baltic countries. The first part of the article deals with the official approach of the Finnish and Swedish governments towards Soviet occupation and annexation of the Baltic States. The analysis of the sources, political reasoning, historiography of Lithuania and foreign countries, and the press of the Nordic countries reveals that Sweden recognised the incorporation of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia into the Soviet Union de facto by signing several agreements with Moscow. Meanwhile, Finland, due to unfavourable relations with the Soviet Union, was reluctant to give an assessment of the changed status quo of the Baltic States. The Finnish government maintained a policy of tacit non-recognition of the annexation of the Baltic States. The second part of the study explores the approach of the Nordic countries towards the Nazi occupation of the Baltic States. Finland and Sweden treated the Nazi actions in the east of the Baltic Sea region as a result of the unpredictable progress of WWII. A certain interest in the problems of the occupied Baltic States on the part of Swedish and Finnish society is revealed by publications in the Nordic press. They question the fate of the three Baltic States in a fragmented manner. The last part of the study examines the approach of the Nordic countries towards the three occupied Baltic States on the basis of correspondence of Lithuanian diplomats residing in the Nordic countries. After the Soviet occupation these Lithuanian diplomats stayed in the Nordic countries and assessed public opinions prevailing in Sweden and Finland towards the occupation. The study reveals that in Sweden, in June 1940, the actions of the Soviet Union in Lithuania, unlike those in Latvia and Estonia, were not treated as occupational. The fellow feelings expressed by representatives of the Swedish government to the Baltic States were personal in nature and did not affect the official position of Sweden. Between 1941 and 1944, Finnish society was also friendly to the three Baltic States. This was expressed in negative statements against the occupation of the Baltic States carried out by the Soviet Union. The Finnish and Swedish press paid only fragmentary attention to the issue of enforcement and change of occupational regimes in the east of the Baltic Sea region.

Integrating Circular Economy Practices for Sustainable Maritime Tourism Development in Bone Regency, Indonesia

This study analyzes the application of circular economy principles in the development of marine tourism in Bone Regency, Indonesia, using a qualitative case study approach involving local government representatives, community members, and tourists. Data was collected through in-depth interviews and field observations to understand the integration of circular economy practices, including waste management, resource reuse, and local community empowerment. Findings highlight both opportunities and challenges in implementing sustainable tourism, such as limited funding and infrastructure. However, effective practices, such as community-led recycling initiatives and government support in waste treatment, underscore the potential for circular economy models to enhance environmental sustainability and local economic benefits. The study concludes that a circular economy framework, supported by multi-stakeholder collaboration, can provide a path toward sustainable marine tourism, offering insights for policymakers and researchers aiming to balance environmental and economic goals in tourism development.

Community Leaders’ Perceptions of the Unique Service Barriers and Facilitators Among Immigrant Families With Young Children in the Rural U.S.–Mexico Border Region

The present descriptive phenomenological study examines the unique service access barriers and facilitators of immigrant families along the rural U.S.–Mexico border from the perspectives of agency and government representatives. Twenty-three semi-structured interviews were conducted with nine local/state government officials and 14 community agency leaders using purposive and snowball sampling. A phenomenological thematic analysis approach was utilized to analyze data from individual interviews. Findings reveal that unique barriers experienced by immigrant families in the U.S.–Mexico border region include rurality, border checkpoints, and U.S. Customs and Border Patrol presence, which have placed mobility limitations on immigrant families, cutting them off from central service providers. Programs and policies aimed at engagement of mixed-status families in areas along the U.S.–Mexico border need to create mechanisms to better reach these families.

Nowhere else in the world? The Korean Safe Rates System in global context

Abstract The Korean ‘Safe Trucking Freight Rates System’ (‘Safe Rates System’) was an important effort to address road safety risks by regulating road transport supply chains. In effect between 2020 and 2022, the system set minimum standards for truck driver pay and placed obligations on road transport supply chain parties to comply with these standards. In this article, we explain how the system developed in response to the deregulation and restructuring of the road freight market in the late 1980s and 1990s. We also trace the influence on the system of regulatory development in Australia and debates at the International Labour Organization (ILO). In 2019, workers, employers, and government representatives at the ILO reached an agreement on the main principles of the Safe Rates regulatory model through the adoption of the Guidelines on the promotion of decent work and road safety in the transport sector. We use these principles to explain and evaluate the Korean system. We also summarise assessments of the system’s impact, arguing that the results of the few studies that exist, justify the continuation of the system. By locating Korean Safe Rates as part of a broader global trend, we respond to opponents’ claims that the system is without international precedent and make the system eligible for a global audience. In so doing, we seek to contribute to the ongoing debate about the reintroduction of Safe Rates in Korea and draw lessons from the Korean experience that may be used in other countries.

Responsive service design and workforce strengthening: Recommendations to improve aged care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

This study aimed to develop innovative and practical strategies and recommendations for aged care policy and practice that support the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. A research symposium was held in June 2023 on Kaurna Country at the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute. The symposium brought together 70 attendees including aged care consumers, Federal and State Government representatives, advocacy services, health, aged care and social service providers, and health and aged care researchers. Two roundtable sessions titled 'Responsive Service Design' and 'Workforce Strengthening' were conducted following a World Café approach. Data were analysed thematically. This paper proposes recommendations relating to innovation and improvement within aged care policy and practice. Recommendations for responsive service design and workforce strengthening include the following: (1) promote genuine engagement and involvement, (2) establish partnerships between sectors, (3) ensure compliance, (4) innovative communication and feedback pathways, (5) holistic approaches to well-being, (6) prioritise cultural safety and (7) flexible recruitment and retention strategies. Working together and building partnerships between diverse stakeholders including community members, workforce, service providers and policymakers is required for sustainable and meaningful innovation within the aged care sector. Our recommendations, driven by community needs, provide an opportunity to ensure the innovation and implementation of ongoing aged care reforms meet the needs and expectations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Inclusive Opportunities: Vocational Training and Employment for Women with Disabilities in My Tho City, Tien Giang Province

In Vietnam, the number of persons with disabilities constitutes a significant proportion of the total population. The unemployment rate among women with disabilities is particularly high. Access to employment for women with disabilities is a social problem that needs to be addressed due to its long-term effects on individuals, their families, and their communities. This paper describes the characteristics of women with disabilities in My Tho City, Tien Giang Province before examining vocational training programs designed for individuals with disabilities and explores the pathways through which women with disabilities in this locality can access employment. In addition to secondary sources, this study collected primary data in 2022 through 33 semi-structured in-depth interviews with women with disabilities, representatives of local government from Ward 5, Ward 6, Dao Thanh and My Phong, a representative of the Women’s Union, and a representative of Department of Labor, Invalid, and Social Affairs from within the city. Based on the research results, the paper offers several recommendations to enhance employment opportunities for this group, contributing to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

SUBJECTIVE AND OBJECTIVE DIMENSIONS OF COMMUNITY RESILIENCE AT WAR TIME (BASED ON THE RESULTS OF A QUALITATIVE RESEARCH ANALYSIS)

The article is devoted to studying community resilience in the context of war in Ukraine. It analyzes both subjective and objective dimensions of resilience that affect the ability of local communities to adapt to crisis conditions. The empirical foundation of the research consists of interviews and focus groups with representatives of executive and local authorities, the public sector, business, volunteer organizations, and informal initiatives, conducted within the framework of the Polish-Ukrainian research grant «Multilevel governance of the humanitarian crisis caused by the Russian aggression on Ukraine, using examples from the Lublin Voivodeship (PL) and the Volyn Oblast (UA)» (funded by NAWA). Subjective aspects of resilience encompass public perceptions, trust among community members, and emotional resilience, which is manifested in people's willingness to support one another. Objective dimensions include infrastructural, economic, and social resources that contribute to recovery after crises. The results indicate that distinguishing between subjective and objective aspects of resilience is an effective tool for developing policies capable of supporting communities in wartime. This article aims to contribute to the understanding of the complexity of community resilience in times of crisis and social instability.

Sequenced co-design with stakeholder communities to support the development of spaces for mental health recovery and healing

This research reports on a sequenced co-design process to engage lived experience consumers, carers, healthcare professionals, sector advocates and government representatives in co-designing spatial and experiential inputs to a residential eating disorders facility. The stakeholder community was enabled to co-design a model of care and, building on this, shape the functional brief for the design of health spaces. The stakeholder community input provided architects and designers with a more expansive understanding of user needs regarding specific architectural qualities including psychological safety, flexibility, social connection, and sensory experiences. Our approach yields insights across three interlinked areas: capacity building in the stakeholder community to develop the design language to contribute to design discussions; co-design processes to question pre-existing design assumptions; and subsequently, the development of a more nuanced brief for health spaces. The research supports designers, architects, health organizations and health planners to meaningfully engage with future users of complex healthcare environments.

On the Ranchería with Keebet von Benda-Beckmann: legal pluralism, the Wiwa People, el Cercado, and socio-spatial relations in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta

In 2006, the Colombian Institute for Rural Development (INCODER) initiated construction of the El Cercado dam on the Ranchería River, neglecting proper consultation with Indigenous Peoples along the river who mobilized to protect their livelihoods, cultural practices, self-determination, and the sacred lands within the government-recognized “Black Line.” Recently, Law 2415 granted the Ranchería River status as a subject of rights, establishing a Commission of Guardians comprising government and local representatives, signaling a shift toward cooperative stewardship among the region’s diverse communities and stakeholders. This paper offers a novel reading focused on the Wiwa People, as existing literature primarily addresses the Wayúu People’s experiences. Furthermore, most studies frame the normative context surrounding the Ranchería through a “weak” pluralist perspective of the Colombian legal system, often neglecting analytical complexities beyond a state-centered approach. To counter these limitations, we utilize the conceptual framework of Keebet von Benda-Beckmann, whose insights on relational social theory, law’s spatiotemporal dimensions, and water rights enable a more complex yet accurate account of how actors in this context deal with the law and variously articulate it. We argue that von Benda-Beckmann’s approach helps to unravel the challenges posed by hyperregulation while clarifying how strategic mobilization functions within this environment. By adopting this framework alongside a “thick” understanding of the local context, we aim to provide a more sensitive analysis of the evolving legal landscape, shedding light on the struggles over natural resources in Colombia and potentially offering insights for similar conflicts elsewhere.