Abbreviation | OGP |
---|---|
Formation | September 20, 2011 |
Founder | Brazil Indonesia Contents
|
Founded at | New York, United States |
Headquarters | Washington, D.C., United States |
Location |
|
Membership | 77 (National) 150 (Local) |
CEO | Sanjay Pradhan |
Staff | 55 (in 2020) |
Website | opengovpartnership |
The Open Government Partnership (OGP) is a multilateral initiative aimed at securing commitments from national and sub-national governments to promote open government, combat corruption, and improve governance. The OGP is managed by a steering committee that includes representatives from both governments and civil society organizations.
The Open Government Partnership (OGP) was formally launched on September 20, 2011, on the sidelines of a UN General Assembly meeting during which heads of state from eight founding governments (Brazil, Indonesia, Mexico, Norway, the Philippines, South Africa, the United Kingdom, and the United States) endorsed the Open Government Declaration and announced their country action plans along with an equal number of civil society leaders. [1] The eight founding members also welcomed the commitment of 38 governments to join the OGP. [2] India [3] and Russia [4] had initially expressed intentions to join the partnership, but neither followed through with the process.
Six months after its start, OGP had grown from eight action plans and 46 participating countries to 50 action plans and 54 participating countries. [5] The meeting in Brasilia brought together countries and organizations united in their belief in the power of transparency, with participation from anti-censorship campaigners in Yemen to reformers using data on primary schools to improve education in India. [6]
A total of 46 members had already published action plans containing over 300 open government commitments. [7] According to the then Minister of the United Kingdom's Cabinet Office responsible for public transparency and open data, Francis Maude, Britain sought to "further secure the foundations of OGP as a globally recognized and respected international initiative…. [and to] strengthen the role of civil society organizations, encouraging greater collaboration with governments to forge more innovative and open ways of working." [7]
In 2013, OGP's thematic goals centered around citizen action and responsive government. In an era of hyperconnectivity, openness and transparency, as well as citizen participation and collaboration, are increasingly viewed as essential components of good governance. [8]
With the adoption and implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development by world leaders at a historic United Nations Summit, including Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 16 for the "promotion of peaceful and inclusive societies," 2015 marked a milestone for the future of development outcomes and open government. [9] In October 2015, the Government of Mexico hosted the third OGP Global Summit in Mexico City, emphasizing the theme "Openness for All: Using the Open Government Principles as Key Mechanisms to Implement the Post-2015 Development Agenda."
In early 2016, OGP launched a new pilot program designed to involve sub-national governments more proactively in the initiative. [10] Later in December 2016, the Government of France, in partnership with the World Resources Institute (WRI), hosted the fourth OGP Global Summit in the nation's capital, Paris, gathering 3000 representatives from 70 countries. [11]
In the first 10 years, OGP members created over 4,500 commitments in more than 300 action plans. [12]
OGP serves as a platform for reformers within and outside governments worldwide to develop initiatives that enhance transparency, empower citizens, combat corruption, and utilize new technologies to improve governance. OGP seeks to secure concrete commitments from national and sub-national governments to promote open government reform and innovation, advancing transparency, accountability, and citizen engagement. [13] It is a voluntary partnership that countries choose to join, allowing civil society organizations to collaborate with governments on initiatives aligned with their reform agendas.
The principles of OGP are best explained by the Open Government Declaration. As outlined in the declaration, participating countries are expected to adhere to the following principles:
OGP participants declare their commitment to increase the availability of information about governmental activities, support civic participation, implement the highest standards of professional integrity, and increase access to new technologies for openness and accountability.
Rather than establish a worldwide transparency ranking of countries, OGP provides support and encouragement to countries around the world as they champion ambitious new reforms and deliver on their promises "under the watchful eyes of citizens." [6] The community of reformers is meant to "offer support to those in government that are willing and to create a hook whereby the conversations among government and civil society can occur." [14] This relationship between government and civil society is the cornerstone of OGP. Governments are expected to actively collaborate with civil society when drafting and implementing country commitments, as well as when reporting on and monitoring efforts. [13] The OGP process requires the government to consult with civil society and citizens, and the Independent Reporting Mechanism (IRM) assesses the quality of this consultation.
In May 2014, it was agreed that all participating governments were expected to contribute to OGP's budget. Contributions are based on each participating country's income level (according to World Bank data). [15] The OGP Steering Committee sets both minimum and recommended contribution levels.
Income level | Minimum member contribution | Recommended member contribution |
---|---|---|
Low income | $10,000 | $25,000 |
Lower middle income | $25,000 | $50,000 |
Upper middle income | $50,000 | $100,000 |
High income | $100,000 | $200,000 |
Grants made in 2015 came from Omidyar Network, the Department for International Development (Government of the United Kingdom), the Hewlett Foundation, the Open Society Foundation, and the Ford Foundation. In May 2019, the Open Society Foundation announced a potential $10,000,000 funding scheme awarded to OGP, with $1,000,000 being awarded in 2020 and an additional $4,000,000 in matching grants within three years if OGP raises $5,000,000 from other partners. [16]
As a multi-stakeholder initiative, civil society participation is enshrined in OGP's foundational principles and management structures. Governments and civil society play an equally important role in managing the OGP through participation in the steering committee, the OGP's executive management body, as well as at the national level. [13]
Year | Government Co-chair | Civil Society Co-chair |
---|---|---|
2012–2013 | Government of the United Kingdom | Warren Krafchik, Senior Vice President, International Budget Partnership (IBP) |
2013–2014 | Government of Indonesia | Rakesh Rajani, Head, Twaweza |
2014–2015 | Government of Mexico | Alexandro Gonzales, Executive Director, GESOC A.C. |
2015–2016 | Government of South Africa | Suneeta Kaimal, Chief Operating Officer, Natural Resource Governance Institute (NRGI) |
2016–2017 | Government of France | Manish Bapna, Executive Vice President & Managing Director, World Resources Institute (WRI) |
2017–2018 | Government of Georgia | Mukelani Dimba, Executive Director, Open Democracy Advice Centre (ODAC) |
2018–2019 | Government of Canada | Nathaniel Heller, Executive Vice President, Results for Development (R4D) |
2019–2020 | Government of Argentina | Robin Hodess, Director of Governance & Transparency, The B Team |
2020–2021 | Government of South Korea | María Baron, Global Executive Director, Directorio Legislativo |
2021–2022 | Government of Italy | Aidan Eyakuze, Executive Director, Twaweza |
2022–2023 | Government of Estonia | Anabel Cruz, Founder Director, Institute for Communication and Development |
2023–2024 | Government of Kenya | Blair Glencorse, Co-CEO, Accountability Lab |
2024–2025 | Government of Spain | Cielo Magno, Bantay Kita - PWYP Philippines |
The OGP Steering Committee provides guidance and direction at the international level in order to maintain the highest standards for the initiative and ensure its long-term sustainability. It is composed of equal numbers of representatives of governments and civil society organizations. OGP's leadership regularly rotates by appointing a new government co-chair and a new civil society co-chair every year. Incoming government and civil society members of the steering committee are selected by their peers. [17]
Members of the OGP Steering Committee delegate work to the OGP sub-committees. There are three sub-committees: 1) Governance and Leadership; 2) Criteria and Standards; and 3) Thematic Leadership. [18] The principle of parity is preserved in the sub-committees, as an equal number of government and civil society representatives serve in each one.
The OGP Support Unit is a small, permanent secretariat that works closely with the steering committee to advance the goals of the OGP. It is designed to maintain institutional memory, manage OGP's external communications, ensure the continuity of organizational relationships with OGP's partners, and support the broader membership. It also serves as a neutral third party between governments and civil society organizations, ensuring that OGP maintains a productive balance between the two constituencies. [19]
The Independent Reporting Mechanism (IRM) is the key means by which all stakeholders can track OGP progress in participating countries. The IRM produces biannual independent progress reports for each country participating in the OGP. Progress reports assess governments on the development and implementation of their OGP action plans as well as their progress in upholding open government principles. The reports also provide technical recommendations for improvements. These reports are intended to stimulate dialogue and promote accountability between member governments and citizens. [20]
The International Experts Panel (IEP) oversees the IRM by helping to ensure the quality of the reviews, assess procedures, and promote findings. [21]
Country | Joined in | Geographic location | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
Albania | 2011 | Europe | |
Argentina | 2012 | Americas | |
Armenia | 2011 | Europe | |
Australia | 2015 | Asia-Pacific | |
Bosnia and Herzegovina | 2014 | Europe | |
Brazil | 2011 | Americas | Founder |
Bulgaria | 2011 | Europe | |
Burkina Faso | 2016 | Africa and Middle East | |
Cabo Verde | 2015 | Africa and Middle East | |
Canada | 2011 | Americas | |
Chile | 2011 | Americas | |
Colombia | 2011 | Americas | |
Costa Rica | 2012 | Americas | |
Côte d'Ivoire | 2015 | Africa and Middle East | |
Croatia | 2011 | Europe | |
Czech Republic | 2011 | Europe | |
Denmark | 2011 | Europe | |
Dominican Republic | 2011 | Americas | |
Ecuador | 2018 | Americas | |
Estonia | 2011 | Europe | |
Finland | 2012 | Europe | |
France | 2014 | Europe | |
Georgia | 2011 | Europe | |
Germany | 2016 | Europe | |
Ghana | 2011 | Africa and Middle East | |
Greece | 2011 | Europe | |
Guatemala | 2011 | Americas | |
Honduras | 2011 | Americas | |
Indonesia | 2011 | Asia-Pacific | Founder |
Ireland | 2013 | Europe | |
Israel | 2011 | Europe | |
Italy | 2011 | Europe | |
Jamaica | 2016 | Americas | |
Jordan | 2011 | Africa and Middle East | |
Kenya | 2011 | Africa and Middle East | |
Kyrgyzstan | 2017 | Asia-Pacific | |
Kosovo | 2023 | Europe | Non-voting member |
Latvia | 2011 | Europe | |
Liberia | 2011 | Africa and Middle East | |
Lithuania | 2011 | Europe | |
Malawi | 2013 | Africa and Middle East | |
Maldives | 2024 | Asia-Pacific | |
Malta | 2011 | Europe | |
Mexico | 2011 | Americas | Founder |
Moldova | 2011 | Europe | |
Mongolia | 2013 | Asia-Pacific | |
Montenegro | 2011 | Europe | |
Morocco | 2018 | Africa and Middle East | |
Netherlands | 2011 | Europe | |
New Zealand | 2013 | Asia-Pacific | |
Nigeria | 2016 | Africa and Middle East | |
North Macedonia | 2011 | Europe | |
Norway | 2011 | Europe | Founder |
Panama | 2012 | Americas | |
Papua New Guinea | 2015 | Asia-Pacific | |
Paraguay | 2011 | Americas | |
Peru | 2011 | Americas | |
Philippines | 2011 | Asia-Pacific | Founder |
Portugal | 2017 | Europe | |
Romania | 2011 | Europe | |
Senegal | 2018 | Africa and Middle East | |
Serbia | 2012 | Europe | |
Seychelles | 2018 | Africa and Middle East | |
Sierra Leone | 2013 | Africa and Middle East | |
Slovakia | 2011 | Europe | |
South Africa | 2011 | Africa and Middle East | Founder |
South Korea | 2011 | Asia-Pacific | |
Spain | 2011 | Europe | |
Sri Lanka | 2015 | Asia-Pacific | |
Sweden | 2011 | Europe | |
Timor Leste | 2023 | Asia-Pacific | |
Tunisia | 2014 | Africa and Middle East | |
Ukraine | 2011 | Europe | |
United Kingdom | 2011 | Europe | Founder |
United States | 2011 | Americas | Founder |
Uruguay | 2011 | Americas | |
Zambia | 2024 | Africa and Middle East | |
Name of local jurisdiction | Type of local jurisdiction | Country | Joined in | Geographic location |
---|---|---|---|---|
Abuja | City | Nigeria | 2020 | Africa and Middle East |
Agadir | City | Morocco | 2024 | Africa and Middle East |
Akhaltsikhe | City | Georgia | 2020 | Europe |
Anambra East | Municipality | Nigeria | 2024 | Africa and Middle East |
Anloga District | District | Nigeria | 2022 | Africa and Middle East |
Antigua Guatemala | City | Guatemala | 2024 | Americas |
Aragón | Autonomous community | Spain | 2020 | Europe |
Armavir | Municipality | Armenia | 2022 | Europe |
Asturias | Autonomous community | Spain | 2022 | Europe |
Athens | City | Greece | 2024 | Europe |
Austin, Texas | City | United States | 2016 | Americas |
Baguio | City | Philippines | 2024 | Asia-Pacific |
Banggai | Regency | Indonesia | 2020 | Asia-Pacific |
Banská Bystrica | City | Slovak Republic | 2020 | Europe |
Bar | Municipality | Montenegro | 2024 | Europe |
Basque Country | Autonomous community | Spain | 2018 | Europe |
Béni Mellal-Khénifra | Region | Morocco | 2022 | Africa and Middle East |
Bishkek | Municipality | Kyrgyzstan | 2020 | Asia-Pacific |
Bogotá | City | Colombia | 2020 | Americas |
Brebes | Regency | Indonesia | 2020 | Asia-Pacific |
Buenos Aires | City | Argentina | 2016 | Americas |
Cajamarca Region | Region | Chile | 2024 | Americas |
Cartagena de Indias | City | Colombia | 2022 | Americas |
Carthage | Municipality | Tunisia | 2022 | Africa and Middle East |
Catalonia | Autonomous community | Spain | 2020 | Europe |
Cǎușeni | City | Moldova | 2024 | Europe |
Chepo | District | Panama | 2022 | Americas |
Chihuahua City | City | Mexico | 2022 | Americas |
Contagem | Municipality | Brazil | 2022 | Americas |
Córdoba - Córdoba Province | City - Province | Argentina | 2020 | Americas |
Corrientes | City | Argentina | 2022 | Americas |
Curridabat | District | Costa Rica | 2020 | Americas |
Dakar | CIty | Senegal | 2024 | Africa and Middle East |
Dar Chaabane El Fehri | Municipality | Tunisia | 2024 | Africa and Middle East |
Detmold | City | Germany | 2022 | Europe |
El Kef | Municipality | Tunisia | 2020 | Africa and Middle East |
Elbasan | City | Albania | 2020 | Europe |
Elgeyo-Marakwet County | County | Kenya | 2016 | Africa and Middle East |
Fuvamulah | City | Maldives | 2024 | Asia-Pacific |
Gjakova | City | Kosovo | 2024 | Europe |
Glasgow | Municipality | United Kingdom | 2020 | Europe |
Goiás State | State | Brazil | 2024 | Americas |
Greater Karak | Governorate | Jordan | 2020 | Africa and Middle East |
Greater Salt | Municipality | Jordan | 2020 | Africa and Middle East |
Gwangju | Municipality | South Korea | 2020 | Asia-Pacific |
Gyumri - Vanadzor | Municipality - Municipality | Armenia | 2020 | Europe |
Hamburg | Municipality | Germany | 2022 | Europe |
Jalisco | State | Mexico | 2016 | Americas |
Kaduna State | State | Nigeria | 2018 | Africa and Middle East |
Kakamega | City | Kenya | 2024 | Africa and Middle East |
Ketu South Municipal District | Municipal district | Ghana | 2022 | Africa and Middle East |
Khmelnytskyi | Municipality | Ukraine | 2020 | Europe |
Khoni | Municipality | Georgia | 2020 | Europe |
Kildare County Council | County | Ireland | 2022 | Europe |
Kisela Voda | Municipality | North Macedonia | 2024 | Europe |
Kutaisi | Municipality | Georgia | 2022 | Europe |
Kyiv | City | Ukraine | 2024 | Europe |
La Libertad Region | Region | Peru | 2016 | Americas |
La Paz | City | Bolivia | 2024 | Americas |
Larena | Municipality | Philippines | 2024 | Asia-Pacific |
Leova | City | Moldova | 2024 | Europe |
Lima | City | Peru | 2020 | Americas |
Lisbon | City | Portugal | 2024 | Europe |
Los Angeles | City | United States | 2020 | Americas |
Machakos | Municipality | Kenya | 2024 | Africa and Middle East |
Madiun | City | Indonesia | 2024 | Asia-Pacific |
Madrid | City | Spain | 2016 | Europe |
Maipú | Municipality | Chile | 2022 | Americas |
Makhanda | City | South Africa | 2020 | Africa and Middle East |
Makueni | County | Kenya | 2020 | Africa and Middle East |
Manizales | Municipality | Colombia | 2022 | Americas |
Mar del Plata | City | Argentina | 2024 | Americas |
Medellín | City | Colombia | 2024 | Americas |
Mendoza | City | Argentina | 2020 | Americas |
Merida - Yucatán | City - State | Mexico | 2020 | Americas |
Metsamor | Municipality | Armenia | 2024 | Europe |
Mexico State - Tlalnepantla de Baz | State - Municipality | Mexico | 2020 | Americas |
Modriča | Municipality | Bosnia and Herzegovina | 2024 | Europe |
Montevideo | City | Uruguay | 2022 | Americas |
Nairobi | City | Kenya | 2020 | Africa and Middle East |
Nandi County | County | Kenya | 2020 | Africa and Middle East |
Navarre | Autonomous community | Spain | 2024 | Europe |
New York City | City | United States | 2024 | Americas |
Northern Ireland | United Kingdom | 2020 | Europe | |
Novi Pazar | City | Serbia | 2022 | Europe |
Nuevo León - Monterrey Municipality - San Pedro Garza García | State - Municipality - Municipality | Mexico | 2022 | Americas |
Ontario | Province | Canada | 2016 | Americas |
Orzhytsia - Zviahel | City - City | Ukraine | 2024 | Europe |
Osasco | Municipality | Brazil | 2020 | Americas |
Osh | City | Kyrgyzstan | 2024 | Asia-Pacific |
Ouellé | Municipality | Côte d'Ivoire | 2024 | Africa and Middle East |
Ozurgeti | City | Georgia | 2020 | Europe |
Paris | City | France | 2016 | Europe |
Pastaza | Province | Ecuador | 2024 | Americas |
Peñalolén | Municipality | Chile | 2020 | Americas |
Pichincha | Province | Ecuador | 2024 | Americas |
Plateau State | State | Nigeria | 2020 | Africa and Middle East |
Plav | Municipality | Montenegro | 2024 | Europe |
Pristina | City | Kosovo | 2024 | Europe |
Québec | Province | Canada | 2020 | Americas |
Quezon City | City | Philippines | 2024 | Asia-Pacific |
Quintana Roo | State | Mexico | 2020 | Americas |
Quito | City | Ecuador | 2020 | Americas |
Regueb | Municipality | Tunisia | 2020 | Africa and Middle East |
Río Branco | City | Uruguay | 2024 | Americas |
Rosario | City | Argentina | 2020 | Americas |
Rustavi | City | Georgia | 2022 | Europe |
Salcedo | City | Dominican Republic | 2022 | Americas |
San Jerónimo | Municipality | Guatemala | 2024 | Americas |
San Joaquín | City | Chile | 2024 | Americas |
Santa Catarina | State | Brazil | 2020 | Americas |
Santiago - Renca | City - City | Chile | 2024 | Americas |
Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas | Province | Ecuador | 2020 | Americas |
São Paulo | City | Brazil | 2016 | Americas |
Sarchí | Canton | Costa Rica | 2022 | Americas |
Scotland | United Kingdom | 2016 | Europe | |
Sekondi-Takoradi | City | Ghana | 2016 | Africa and Middle East |
Semarang | City | Indonesia | 2020 | Asia-Pacific |
Seoul | Municipality | South Korea | 2018 | Asia-Pacific |
Shama | City | Ghana | 2020 | Africa and Middle East |
Souss-Massa - Oriental - Drâa-Tafilalet - Laâyoune-Sakia El Hamra | Region - Region - Region - Region | Morocco | 2024 | Africa and the Middle East |
South Cotabato | Province | Philippines | 2018 | Asia-Pacific |
Tagbilaran | City | Philippines | 2024 | Asia-Pacific |
Tamale | City | Ghana | 2024 | Africa and Middle East |
Tangier – Tetouan – Al Hoceima | Region | Morocco | 2020 | Africa and Middle East |
Tarkwa-Nsuaem | Municipal district | Ghana | 2022 | Africa and Middle East |
Tbilisi | Municipality | Georgia | 2016 | Europe |
Ternopil | Municipality | Ukraine | 2020 | Europe |
Tétouan | Municipality | Tunisia | 2022 | Africa and Middle East |
Timișoara | City | Romania | 2020 | Europe |
Tirana | City | Albania | 2020 | Europe |
Tlajomulco de Zúñiga | Municipality | Mexico | 2022 | Americas |
Topoľčany | Municipality | Slovak Republic | 2024 | Europe |
Travnik | Municipality | Bosnia and Herzegovina | 2024 | Europe |
Valencian Community | Autonomous community | Spain | 2022 | Europe |
Valongo | Municipality | Portugal | 2024 | Europe |
Villanueva | Municipality | Honduras | 2024 | Americas |
Vinnytsia | City | Ukraine | 2020 | Europe |
Vitória da Conquista | Municipality | Brazil | 2024 | Americas |
Wassa Amenfi East | Municipal district | Ghana | 2022 | Africa and Middle East |
West Java | Province | Indonesia | 2024 | Asia-Pacific |
West Nusa Tenggara | Province | Indonesia | 2020 | Asia-Pacific |
West Sumbawa | Regency | Indonesia | 2020 | Asia-Pacific |
Yerevan | City | Armenia | 2022 | Europe |
Yoff | Municipality | Senegal | 2024 | Africa and Middle East |
Yogyakarta | City | Indonesia | 2024 | Asia-Pacific |
Žabljak | Municipality | Montenegro | 2024 | Europe |
Zaghouan | Municipality | Tunisia | 2024 | Africa and Middle East |
Zagreb | City | Croatia | 2024 | Europe |
Žilina Region | Region | Slovak Republic | 2022 | Europe |
In order to participate in OGP, governments must exhibit a demonstrated commitment to open government in four key areas, as measured by objective indicators and validated by independent experts. [22] The four critical areas of open government are: fiscal transparency, access to information, asset disclosure, and citizen engagement. Countries can earn a total of 16 points for their performance in these four metrics, or 12 points if they are not measured in one of the metrics. Countries that earn 75% of the applicable points (either 12 out of 16 or 9 out of 12) or more are eligible to join. [22] For an eligible country to join, all that is required is a letter from a ministerial representative indicating agreement with the Open Government Declaration and intent to participate in the OGP, as well as the leading agency and an individual point of contact for future work. [22]
The following countries are eligible, but have yet to express interest to join the partnership as of July 2024. [23]
OGP participating countries co-create a National Action Plan (NAP) with civil society. The action plans are "the driving device" for OGP, as they are the instrument through which government and civil society develop their agreed reforms, or commitments, every two years. [14] The set of commitments aims to advance transparency, accountability, participation, and/or technological innovation. Countries, with the active involvement of civil society, are encouraged to tackle new and ambitious commitments as well as build upon past successes. An effective public consultation process during the development of action plans can help build broad support for commitments with a wider set of actors to rely on for successful implementation. [32] OGP participating countries operate on a two-year action plan calendar cycle, whereby countries are continuously implementing their programs. The government must regularly report on its progress and work with civil society to monitor and achieve the agreed-upon reforms. Progress is evaluated at regular intervals by an independent researcher appointed by the OGP's Independent Reporting Mechanism.
The Civil Society Engagement (CSE) Team works to broaden, strengthen, and engage a strong civil society network to participate in OGP, particularly at the national level. The team supports national civil society actors to help them make better use of the OGP process, including the design, implementation, and monitoring of OGP action plans, for achieving their own advocacy objectives. [33]
Launched in 2016 as the sub-national pilot program, OGP Local seeks to extend the principles of OGP to the local level. A total of 15 sub-national governments were selected to participate in the pilot program and, with the support of the OGP Support Unit and steering committee, have developed national action plans in collaboration with civil society. They will actively contribute to peer learning and networking activities with other sub-national governments and, like OGP's member countries, will be assessed by the IRM. [34] The cohort later expanded to 20 before further expansion in October 2020, with 56 new local jurisdictions added to the program. [35] In 2022, 30 new more local jurisdictions joined OGP Local. [36] In 2024, additional 55 local jurisdictions joined the OGP Local program. [37]
As OGP continued to expand, engagement with legislative institutions also became more prevalent. In some OGP-participating countries, open parliament has become a particularly significant part of the push for more open government, although commitments related to parliamentary transparency, public participation, and accountability are not always co-created in the same process as the country's OGP action plan. The open parliament initiative also benefits from strategic collaborations with the Open Parliament e-Network (OPeN), a global consortium of organizations focused on parliamentary engagement. As of 2020, its members are the Directorio Legislativo, the Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD), the National Democratic Institute (NDI), ParlAmericas, Red Latinoamericana por la Transparencia Legislativa (RedLTL), and the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights. [38]
OGP participants gather regularly at regional and global events to share their findings in person and to strengthen international cooperation. [39] The most significant of these events has been the Global Summit, held annually since 2012. At the 2013 Global Summit, the steering committee voted to skip the 2014 Summit and reconvene in 2015. [40] In addition to providing spaces where participating countries and civil society groups could share information in person, OGP wanted to find a way to showcase the standout efforts of global transparency leaders.
Year | Event | Host | Dates |
---|---|---|---|
2012 | The 1st OGP Annual Meeting | Brasilia, Brazil | April 17–18, 2012 [41] |
2013 | The 2nd OGP Annual Meeting | London, United Kingdom | October 31–November 1, 2013 [42] |
2015 | The 3rd OGP Global Summit | Mexico City, Mexico | October 28–29, 2015 [43] |
2016 | The 4th OGP Global Summit | Paris, France | December 7–8, 2016 [44] |
2018 | The 5th OGP Global Summit | Tbilisi, Georgia | July 18–19, 2018 [45] |
2019 | The 6th OGP Global Summit | Ottawa, Canada | May 29–30, 2019 [46] |
2021 | The 7th OGP Global Summit | Seoul, South Korea | December 13–17, 2021 [47] |
2023 | The 8th OGP Global Summit | Tallinn, Estonia | September 6–7, 2023 [48] |
2025 | The 9th OGP Global Summit | Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain | October 7-9, 2025 |
Year | Theme | Category | Winner |
---|---|---|---|
2014 [49] | Citizen Engagement | Gold Awards | 1. Denmark for "Statutory Elected Senior Citizens’ Council" 2. Montenegro for "Be Responsible, Zero Grey Economy" 3. Philippines for "Grassroots Participatory Budgeting" |
Silver Awards | 4. Italy for "OpenCoesione-Monithon" 5. Netherlands for "MijnWOZ: My Law on Appreciating Local Property" 6. United Kingdom for "Sciencewise" | ||
Bronze Awards | 7. Mexico for "Centro de Itegracion Ciudadana" 8. Peru for "Children of Miraflores" 9. United States for "Collaboration and Innovation through Prizes, Crowdsourcing, and Citizen Science" 10. France for "data.gouv.fr" | ||
2015 [50] | Improving Public Services | Overall Awards | 1. Uruguay for "ATuServicio.uy" 2. Indonesia for "The Guiding Lights of the Archipelago" 3. United Kingdom for "Neighborhood Planning" |
Regional Awards | Tunisia for "Tunisia Online e-Procurement System" Mexico for "Stakeholder Participation in Day Care Center Safety" Armenia for "Smart Municipality" Croatia for "E-Citizens" | ||
Special Recognition | Indonesia for "The Guiding Lights of the Archipelago" for how the initiative benefits vulnerable populations | ||
2016 [51] | Making Transparency Count | Overall Awards | 1. Ukraine for "ProZorro: Bringing Government Procurement to the People" 2. Indonesia for "API Pemilu: Improving Access and Understanding of Elections Data" 3. Honduras for "Construction Sector Transparency Initiative Honduras: Better Infrastructure through Transparency" |
Regional Awards | Malawi for "Construction Sector Transparency Initiative Malawi: Development through Transparency" Mexico for "Budget Transparency Portal: Expenditure Tracking from the Executive to the Streets" Mongolia for "Check My Service: Closing the Feedback Loop" Netherlands for "OpenSpending: Reporting Directly to the Taxpayers" | ||
Special Recognition | Ukraine for "ProZorro: Bringing Government Procurement to the People" for the involvement of youth in the project |
As an ethic that spans science, engineering, business, and the humanities, transparency is operating in such a way that it is easy for others to see what actions are performed. Transparency implies openness, communication, and accountability.
Governance is the overall complex system or framework of processes, functions, structures, rules, laws and norms born out of the relationships, interactions, power dynamics and communication within an organized group of individuals. It sets the boundaries of acceptable conduct and practices of different actors of the group and controls their decision-making processes through the creation and enforcement of rules and guidelines. Furthermore, it also manages, allocates and mobilizes relevant resources and capacities of different members and sets the overall direction of the group in order to effectively address its specific collective needs, problems and challenges.
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Open government is the governing doctrine which maintains that citizens have the right to access the documents and proceedings of the government to allow for effective public oversight. In its broadest construction, it opposes reason of state and other considerations which have tended to legitimize extensive state secrecy. The origins of open-government arguments can be dated to the time of the European Age of Enlightenment, when philosophers debated the proper construction of a then nascent democratic society. It is also increasingly being associated with the concept of democratic reform. The United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 16 for example advocates for public access to information as a criterion for ensuring accountable and inclusive institutions.
UHC2030, formerly known as the International Health Partnership (IHP+), is a global platform which brings together multiple stakeholders to take action to advance progress towards universal health coverage (UHC) by mobilizing political commitment, demanding and tracking accountability, and promoting collective action for health systems. The global platform is co-hosted by the World Health Organization, the World Bank and the OECD.
Type II partnerships were developed at the Johannesburg World Summit on Sustainable Development in 2002. Arising in opposition to the state-centred eco-governmentality of previous approaches to sustainable development policy, the partnerships facilitate the inclusion of private and civil actors into the management of sustainable development. The partnerships are employed alongside traditional intergovernmental mechanisms in order to effectively implement the United Nations' Agenda 21 and Millennium Development Goals, particularly at sub-national level. Although widely acknowledged as one of the most innovative and effective developments in global environmental governance in recent years, the partnerships have faced criticism due to fears of a lack of accountability, and the risk that they may exacerbate inequalities of power between Northern and Southern states. Despite these reservations, there is a general consensus among state and non-governmental actors that Type II partnerships are a significantly progressive step in global environmental governance in general, and sustainable development discourse in particular.
Accountable Now is a global platform, founded in 2008 by a group of independent non-profit organisations, which is intended to foster accountability and transparency of civil society organisations (CSOs), as well as stakeholder communication and performance. It supports CSOs to be transparent, responsive to stakeholders and focused on delivering impact.
In the United Nations, the Post-2015 Development Agenda was a set of talks and discussions that led to the creation of the 2016 Sustainable Development Goals. This replaced the 2015 Millennium Development Goals.
Ghana Open Data Initiative (GODI) was started in January 2012 by the National Information Technology Agency (NITA) in partnership with the Web Foundation (WF), to make Government of Ghana data available to the public for re-use. The establishment of GODI is meant to promote efficiency, transparency and accountability in governance as well as to facilitate economic growth by means of the creation of Mobile and Web applications for the Ghanaian and world markets. The project was scheduled for completion in 2014 and aimed to create a sustainable Open Data ecosystem for Ghana. GODI was launched with a 100 data sets categorized as political, legal, organizational, technical, social or economic. The vision of GODI is to develop an open data community involving the Government of Ghana, civil society organizations, industry, developer communities, academia, media practitioners, and the citizenry, to interact with one another with the aim of developing an open data portal to bring about transparency, accountability and efficiency in government.
The Open Government Partnership (OGP) is a new multilateral initiative introduced by the United States Government that aims to secure concrete commitments from governments to promote transparency, empower citizens, fight corruption, and harness new technologies to strengthen governance by means of Open Data Platforms. In the spirit of multi-stakeholder collaboration, OGP is overseen by a steering committee of governments, civil society organizations and the developer community.
Civic technology, or civic tech, enhances the relationship between the people and government with software for communications, decision-making, service delivery, and political process. It includes information and communications technology supporting government with software built by community-led teams of volunteers, nonprofits, consultants, and private companies as well as embedded tech teams working within government.
The Institute for Development of Freedom of Information (IDFI) - is a Georgian non-governmental organization which tends to support the development of an informed and empowered society for democratic governance. IDFI promotes human rights and good governance by raising civic awareness through sound informational reports, research and recommendations; Advocates for initiating & implementing reforms of policies, laws and practices to enhance democratic governance.
The Sanitation and Water for All (SWA) is a global partnership committed to achieving universal access to clean drinking water and adequate sanitation. In 2015, 2.4 billion people lacked access to improved sanitation, 946 million people defecate in the open and 663 million people lack access to basic water sources.
Fiscal transparency refers to the publication of information on how governments raise, spend, and manage public resources. More specifically, it means publication of high quality information on how governments raise taxes, borrow, spend, invest, and manage public assets and liabilities.
The UK Open Government National Action Plan 2016–18 (NAP) is the plan setting out the UK government's commitments on transparency, anti-corruption and open government which was announced by Matt Hancock, MP, Minister for the Cabinet Office and Paymaster General on 12 May 2016 at the London Anti-Corruption Summit.
Access to public information and freedom of information (FOI) refer to the right of access to information held by public bodies also known as "right to know". Access to public information is considered of fundamental importance for the effective functioning of democratic systems, as it enhances governments' and public officials' accountability, boosting people participation and allowing their informed participation into public life. The fundamental premise of the right of access to public information is that the information held by governmental institutions is in principle public and may be concealed only on the basis of legitimate reasons which should be detailed in the law.
Access to public information and freedom of information (FOI) refer to the right of access to information held by public bodies also known as "right to know". Access to public information is considered of fundamental importance for the effective functioning of democratic systems, as it enhances governments' and public officials' accountability, boosting people participation and allowing their informed participation into public life. The fundamental premise of the right of access to public information is that the information held by governmental institutions is in principle public and may be concealed only on the basis of legitimate reasons which should be detailed in the law.
Four high level forums on aid effectiveness were held between 2003 and 2011 as part of a "continuous effort towards modernising, deepening and broadening development co-operation and the delivery of aid" coordinated through the OECD. They took place at Rome (2003), Paris (2005), Accra (2008) and Busan (2011).
The UK National Action Plan for Open Government 2019–2021 sets out the UK government's commitments in the areas of open government, anti-corruption and transparency. It is the fourth such National Action Plan (NAP), the first having been published in September 2011.
The Global Partnership for Effective Development Co-operation (GPEDC), formed in 2012, is an association of governments and organisations that seeks to improve practices of international development. It has a unique position due to the breadth and stature of its participants.