Julia Vieira de Andrade Dias Emendabili, Digital Innovation Specialist, Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), United States

1. How do you use technology/policy to improve citizens’ lives? Tell us about your role or organisation. 

I lead the Inter-American Development Bank’s (IDB) Code for Development initiative, the first open-source program office at a multilateral development bank.

We empower governments in Latin America and the Caribbean to adopt open-source solutions that drive innovation and improve public services. 

Code for Development has curated a repository of over 200 open-source tools, including 65 developed by the IDB, and built a network of over 2,000 government developers called Code4Dev.

This network facilitates knowledge sharing, hosts implementation workshops, and connects governments with strategic partners. 

A recent example of our work is the implementation of UrbanPy in Brazil, an open-source tool developed by the IDB that we are reusing to optimize school infrastructure planning.

This tool enables governments to identify the best locations for new schools and assess expansions based on data-driven metrics such as demand, travel times, and current capacities.

By leveraging this solution, governments can make smarter decisions that directly improve access to education for underserved communities. 

At its core, my work is about bridging technology and policy to ensure that public services are inclusive, sustainable, and impactful, creating tangible benefits for citizens across the region. 

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2. What was the most impactful project you worked on this year? 

If I had to choose one, it would be the implementation of verifiable credentials in the Dominican Republic and Jamaica.

This initiative is part of a technical cooperation between the IDB and CoDevelop, to fund the rapid deployment of use cases for digital public infrastructure in Latin America and the Caribbean. 

Both use cases aim to reduce reliance on physical documents, enabling more secure, seamless, and efficient access to public services and what makes this project so impactful is its transformative potential: it not only improves the user experience for citizens but also sets the groundwork for scalable, interoperable digital public services.

It’s an inspiring example of how open-source technology can bridge gaps in accessibility and create systems that are inclusive, transparent, and future-proof. 

3. What was one unexpected learning from 2024? 

This year, I witnessed a significant and rapid shift this year, with countries showing much greater openness and eagerness to adopt open-source solutions for their digital transformation.

While this trend wasn’t entirely unexpected, the speed at which it unfolded exceeded all expectations.  

That said, while the open-source ecosystem is robust and well-positioned to support this growing momentum, a key challenge remains: the limited number of implementers and integrators dedicated to connecting governments' specific needs with the capabilities of open-source tools.

Bridging this gap is crucial to fully realising the potential of open-source in driving meaningful and sustainable transformation. 

One of the steps we have taken to address this challenge is the publication of a technical note on open-source software public procurement.

This document supports our clients in designing procurement processes that align with open-source principles following IDB procurement policies and is just one way we’re working to close this gap and foster a more robust ecosystem where open-source tools can effectively meet the needs of governments and citizens alike. 

4. What’s a tool or technique you’re excited to explore in 2025? 

I’m genuinely excited about diving deeper into open-source AI frameworks.

With the IDB actively implementing several AI initiatives across the region, encouraging an end-to-end open-source approach when feasible—including models, code, and datasets—could provide meaningful opportunities to enhance transparency, adaptability, and the sustainability of these solutions. 

Tools like Pavimentados, an end-to-end open-source tool developed by the IDB’s InfraDigital team, showcase this potential.

Pavimentados uses AI to identify pavement defects for better infrastructure planning.

Open-source not only ensures transparency and control but also reduces bottlenecks in procurement and budget that are critical for scaling innovative solutions in traditional sectors like infrastructure.

This makes open-source a practical and sustainable choice for driving long-term impact. 

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5. Everybody’s talking about AI today – give us your hot take on AI and what it means for the public sector.

AI has immense potential to drive tangible improvements in public service delivery and reduce social inequality, but its value depends on its ethical and inclusive deployment.

Open-source AI solutions can help governments retain control over critical systems, fostering adaptability and reducing lock-in challenges. 

It’s also worth taking a look at the IDB’s initiative fAIr LAC+, led by dedicated colleagues and focused on shaping AI regulatory frameworks, fostering the development and adoption of AI technologies, and building the skills and capacities required for sustainable AI integration.  

6. What are your priorities for 2025? 

For 2025, my main goal is to create the means to scale up the impact of Code for Development while maintaining a healthy balance.

Supporting governments in making a difference in people’s lives is such a core part of who I am that the challenge lies in doing so while nurturing relationships, staying energised, and maintaining equilibrium.

My priority is to keep moving forward in a way that feels sustainable and fulfilling, making space for both ambition and the personal connections that keep me grounded. 

7. What advice do you have for public sector innovators? 

Don’t underestimate the power of connection.

There are incredible people, in incredible organisations, doing transformative work and eager to help.

Step out of your office, engage with the ecosystem and other public sector innovators, learn from what they are doing, and don’t hesitate to ask for help.

Innovation thrives when we share ideas and build on each other’s strengths, and chances are, someone has already tackled the challenge you’re facing and would gladly share their insights.  

8. Who inspires you today? 

I’m incredibly inspired by the growing number of women taking leadership roles as Ministers of Digital Transformation, e-Government, and related fields.

Seeing their vision and dedication shaping the future is truly motivating. One person I’d like to highlight is Brazil’s Minister of Management and Innovation, Esther Dweck.

She has been a remarkable force in driving progressive and inclusive policies, championing innovation, and ensuring that digital transformation serves the needs of all citizens.

Her leadership exemplifies how thoughtful governance can create meaningful and sustainable impact. 

This feature was made possible in partnership with the Digital Public Goods Alliance (DPGA).