The OGP provides a platform for reformers inside and outside governments to develop initiatives that promote transparency, empower citizens, fight corruption and use new technologies to strengthen governance. The OGP seeks to secure concrete commitments from national and subnational governments that drive open government reforms and innovation in an effort for countries to go further in the areas of transparency, accountability and citizen engagement.[10] It is a voluntary association that countries choose to join and through which civil society organizations, in collaboration with governments, can promote initiatives that they consider in line with their reform agendas.

Rather than establishing a global ranking of transparency by country, the OGP provides support and encouragement to countries that champion ambitious reforms and deliver on their promises “under the watchful eye of citizens.” It is intended that the community of reformists "offer support to rulers who wish to create a forum in which conversations between the Government and civil society take place."[11]​.

This relationship between the Government and civil society is the cornerstone of the OGP. Governments are expected to actively engage with civil society when drafting and implementing country commitments, as well as when reporting on and monitoring efforts. The OGP process requires governments to consult citizens and civil society. The Independent Review Mechanism (IRM) assesses the quality of this consultation.

The OGP can serve as a platform to build a diverse coalition of civil society actors from a variety of disciplines.

The OGP principles are best explained by the Open Government Declaration. As specified therein, participating countries are expected to adhere to the following principles:

• - Recognizes that people around the world demand more transparency from their governments. They call for greater civic participation in public affairs and seek ways to make their governments more transparent, accountable and effective.

• - Recognizes that countries are at different stages in their efforts to promote transparency in government, and that each pursues an approach compatible with its national priorities and the circumstances and aspirations of its citizens.

• - Accept the responsibility of taking advantage of this moment to strengthen commitments to promote transparency, fight corruption and use new technologies to make government more effective and accountable.

• - Highlights the value of openness in the commitment to citizens to improve services, manage public resources, promote innovation and create safer communities. It embraces the principles of transparency and open government with a view to achieving greater prosperity, well-being and human dignity in the countries that sign the declaration and in an increasingly interconnected world.

The countries participating in the OGP affirm their commitment to:.

• - Increase the availability of information on government activities.

• - Support civic participation.

• - Apply the highest standards of professional integrity in all its administrations.

• - Increase access to new technologies for openness and accountability.

As a multi-sector initiative, civil society participation is praised in the founding principles of the OGP and its management structures. Governments and civil society play an equally important role in the management of the OGP through their participation in the steering committee, the executive management body and at the national level.

1. • The Steering Committee provides international guidance and direction to maintain the highest standards for the initiative and ensure its long-term sustainability. It is made up of equal numbers of representatives of governments and civil society organizations. The leadership of the OGP rotates regularly, appointing two co-presidents each year, one from the government and the other from civil society. The new members of this committee are selected by their peers.[12]​.

2. • Subcommittees: members of the steering committee delegate work to subcommittees. There are three: 1) Governance and leadership; 2) Criteria and standards; and 3) Learning and exchange between peers. The principle of parity is preserved in these subcommittees: they are made up of equal numbers of government and civil society representatives.

3. • Support Unit is a small permanent secretariat that works closely with the steering committee to advance the objectives of the OGP. It is designed to maintain institutional memory, manage external communications, ensure the continuity of organizational relationships with partners and support greater membership. It also serves as a neutral third party between governments and civil society organizations, ensuring that the OGP maintains a productive balance between these 2 components.

4. • The Independent Review Mechanism (IRM) is the key means by which any actor can follow the progress of the OGP in participating countries. The IRM publishes biennial progress reports for each participating country. These reports evaluate the development and implementation of national action plans, as well as progress in highlighting open government principles. The reports also provide technical recommendations for improvements. It is intended that they serve to stimulate dialogue and promote the accountability of governments to their citizens.[13]​.

5. • Civil Society Engagement (CSE): The CSE team works to expand, strengthen and engage a strong network of civil society organizations to participate in the OGP, particularly at the national level. The team helps civil society actors to better use the OGP process—including the design, implementation and monitoring of action plans—to achieve the objectives pursued by these actors.[14]​.

6. • Pilot program for subnational governments: launched in 2016, it seeks to extend the principles of the OGP to the local level. 15 subnational governments were selected to participate and, with the help of the OGP support unit and steering committee, have developed action plans in collaboration with civil society. They will actively contribute to peer-to-peer learning and networking activities with other subnational governments and, like national governments, will be evaluated by the IRM.

• - Eligibility criteria: to participate in the OGP, governments must demonstrate their commitment to open government in 4 key areas, measuring this commitment with objective indicators validated by independent experts:[15]​ fiscal transparency, access to information, public declarations of assets of political leaders, and citizen commitment. Countries can earn a total of 16 points for their performance in these areas, or 12 points if they are not measured in one of them. Countries that achieve 75% of the applicable points (either 12 out of 16 or 9 out of 12) are eligible to join the OGP.[15] For an eligible country to join, all that is required is a letter from a ministerial representative expressing agreement with the principles of the Open Government Declaration and the intention to participate in the OGP, as well as the body that will lead relations between that country and the OGP, and a point of contact individual for future work.[15]​.

• - Joint development of an action plan: participating countries develop a national action plan with civil society. These plans are the driving force of the OGP, because they constitute the instrument through which the government and civil society develop the agreed reforms, or commitments, every 2 years.[11]​ The set of commitments aims to advance in transparency, accountability, participation or technological innovation. Countries are encouraged, with the active participation of civil society, to undertake new and ambitious commitments, as well as to build on past successes. Public consultation processes during the development of action plans can help build broad support for commitments and encourage their implementation.[16]​ OGP countries operate under a biennial plan cycle, in which they continually implement their programs. The government must regularly report on its progress and work with civil society to follow through and complete agreed reforms. An independent investigator appointed by the OMB evaluates progress at regular intervals Independent reporting mechanism.

• - In addition to providing a space where governments and civil society can share information in person, the OGP wanted to find a way to highlight world leaders in transparency efforts. For this reason, in 2014, the OGP established the OGP Awards. They recognize the most inspiring and impactful innovations in open government among a set of candidates presented by civil society organizations.[17]​.

OGP countries meet regularly at regional and global events to share their findings in person and strengthen international cooperation.[18]​ The most significant of these events is the global summit, held annually since 2012.

Contenido

OGP se financia mediante una combinación de contribuciones de los países miembros, agencias bilaterales de desarrollo y fundaciones filantrópicas privadas. Las contribuciones de los países representan fondos básicos no restringidos que permiten al Secretariado de OGP prestar servicios a todos sus miembros. La financiación proveniente de donantes bilaterales y privados complementa estos fondos apoyando iniciativas específicas y prioridades estratégicas.

National participations

In May 2014 it was agreed that all countries would contribute to the OGP budget. Contributions are based on each country's income level (according to World Bank data) and its GDP level.[28] The steering committee establishes both minimum and recommended contributions.

Countries currently participating

*: founding country.

Eligible countries

The following countries have demonstrated that they meet the minimum eligibility criteria and are eligible to join the OGP:[30]​.

Azerbaijan

• - On March 2, 2015, 3 civil society groups in Azerbaijan sent a letter detailing their concerns about their ability to continue working in that country. Under the OGP's Upholding Values ​​and Principles Policy,[39]​ also known as the Response Policy, adopted in 2014, a report detailing the Steering Committee's investigation of these concerns was completed on May 18, 2015. As it found them justified, it also detailed the steps that the OGP should follow. Despite working with the country and attempting a solution that worked for all parties, on May 4, 2016, Azerbaijan was deemed inactive in the OGP. He had been a member since 2011.[40]​.

Hungary

• - On July 9, 2015, representatives of Hungarian civil society sent a letter demanding the intervention of the steering committee in the face of the attitude and behavior of the Hungarian Government, alleging that it had participated in a smear campaign against civil society organizations, creating a harmful climate for the efforts of NGOs.[41]​ On December 7, 2016, the OGP steering committee received a letter from the Government of Hungary in which announced his immediate withdrawal from the alliance. The Hungarian Government was being reviewed by the OGP since July 2015 due to concerns expressed by civil society organizations regarding its space to operate in the country.[42]​.

Türkiye

• - On May 4, 2016, the OMB drafted a resolution to demote Turkey to an inactive member if the Turkish government did not outline the action plan to implement open government policies. The country, under President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, has jailed 152 journalists and closed 174 media outlets on various charges, including defamation and terrorism. Allegations surrounding media repression maintain that journalists are being targeted for being spokespersons for opposition to President Erdogan's authority.[43]​[44]​ On September 21, 2016, the steering committee approved this resolution and declared Turkey an "inactive" member of the OGP. The country was given a one-year trial period to develop a national action plan, in consultation with citizens and civil society, until the steering committee reviews the country's status on September 21, 2017. Meanwhile the steering committee removed Turkey from the OGP. It was the first time that this was done due to a decision by the OGP. Hungary and Azerbaijan had previously withdrawn, but at the request of their governments first, before the OGP made its final decision.[45]​[46]​ The steering committee asked the Turkish government to publish a new national action plan and include citizens and civil society in its development.[47]​.

• - Open government index.

• - International Transparency.

• - Official website.

The OGP provides a platform for reformers inside and outside governments to develop initiatives that promote transparency, empower citizens, fight corruption and use new technologies to strengthen governance. The OGP seeks to secure concrete commitments from national and subnational governments that drive open government reforms and innovation in an effort for countries to go further in the areas of transparency, accountability and citizen engagement.[10] It is a voluntary association that countries choose to join and through which civil society organizations, in collaboration with governments, can promote initiatives that they consider in line with their reform agendas.

Rather than establishing a global ranking of transparency by country, the OGP provides support and encouragement to countries that champion ambitious reforms and deliver on their promises “under the watchful eye of citizens.” It is intended that the community of reformists "offer support to rulers who wish to create a forum in which conversations between the Government and civil society take place."[11]​.

This relationship between the Government and civil society is the cornerstone of the OGP. Governments are expected to actively engage with civil society when drafting and implementing country commitments, as well as when reporting on and monitoring efforts. The OGP process requires governments to consult citizens and civil society. The Independent Review Mechanism (IRM) assesses the quality of this consultation.

The OGP can serve as a platform to build a diverse coalition of civil society actors from a variety of disciplines.

The OGP principles are best explained by the Open Government Declaration. As specified therein, participating countries are expected to adhere to the following principles:

• - Recognizes that people around the world demand more transparency from their governments. They call for greater civic participation in public affairs and seek ways to make their governments more transparent, accountable and effective.

• - Recognizes that countries are at different stages in their efforts to promote transparency in government, and that each pursues an approach compatible with its national priorities and the circumstances and aspirations of its citizens.

• - Accept the responsibility of taking advantage of this moment to strengthen commitments to promote transparency, fight corruption and use new technologies to make government more effective and accountable.

• - Highlights the value of openness in the commitment to citizens to improve services, manage public resources, promote innovation and create safer communities. It embraces the principles of transparency and open government with a view to achieving greater prosperity, well-being and human dignity in the countries that sign the declaration and in an increasingly interconnected world.

The countries participating in the OGP affirm their commitment to:.

• - Increase the availability of information on government activities.

• - Support civic participation.

• - Apply the highest standards of professional integrity in all its administrations.

• - Increase access to new technologies for openness and accountability.

As a multi-sector initiative, civil society participation is praised in the founding principles of the OGP and its management structures. Governments and civil society play an equally important role in the management of the OGP through their participation in the steering committee, the executive management body and at the national level.

1. • The Steering Committee provides international guidance and direction to maintain the highest standards for the initiative and ensure its long-term sustainability. It is made up of equal numbers of representatives of governments and civil society organizations. The leadership of the OGP rotates regularly, appointing two co-presidents each year, one from the government and the other from civil society. The new members of this committee are selected by their peers.[12]​.

2. • Subcommittees: members of the steering committee delegate work to subcommittees. There are three: 1) Governance and leadership; 2) Criteria and standards; and 3) Learning and exchange between peers. The principle of parity is preserved in these subcommittees: they are made up of equal numbers of government and civil society representatives.

3. • Support Unit is a small permanent secretariat that works closely with the steering committee to advance the objectives of the OGP. It is designed to maintain institutional memory, manage external communications, ensure the continuity of organizational relationships with partners and support greater membership. It also serves as a neutral third party between governments and civil society organizations, ensuring that the OGP maintains a productive balance between these 2 components.

4. • The Independent Review Mechanism (IRM) is the key means by which any actor can follow the progress of the OGP in participating countries. The IRM publishes biennial progress reports for each participating country. These reports evaluate the development and implementation of national action plans, as well as progress in highlighting open government principles. The reports also provide technical recommendations for improvements. It is intended that they serve to stimulate dialogue and promote the accountability of governments to their citizens.[13]​.

5. • Civil Society Engagement (CSE): The CSE team works to expand, strengthen and engage a strong network of civil society organizations to participate in the OGP, particularly at the national level. The team helps civil society actors to better use the OGP process—including the design, implementation and monitoring of action plans—to achieve the objectives pursued by these actors.[14]​.

6. • Pilot program for subnational governments: launched in 2016, it seeks to extend the principles of the OGP to the local level. 15 subnational governments were selected to participate and, with the help of the OGP support unit and steering committee, have developed action plans in collaboration with civil society. They will actively contribute to peer-to-peer learning and networking activities with other subnational governments and, like national governments, will be evaluated by the IRM.

• - Eligibility criteria: to participate in the OGP, governments must demonstrate their commitment to open government in 4 key areas, measuring this commitment with objective indicators validated by independent experts:[15]​ fiscal transparency, access to information, public declarations of assets of political leaders, and citizen commitment. Countries can earn a total of 16 points for their performance in these areas, or 12 points if they are not measured in one of them. Countries that achieve 75% of the applicable points (either 12 out of 16 or 9 out of 12) are eligible to join the OGP.[15] For an eligible country to join, all that is required is a letter from a ministerial representative expressing agreement with the principles of the Open Government Declaration and the intention to participate in the OGP, as well as the body that will lead relations between that country and the OGP, and a point of contact individual for future work.[15]​.

• - Joint development of an action plan: participating countries develop a national action plan with civil society. These plans are the driving force of the OGP, because they constitute the instrument through which the government and civil society develop the agreed reforms, or commitments, every 2 years.[11]​ The set of commitments aims to advance in transparency, accountability, participation or technological innovation. Countries are encouraged, with the active participation of civil society, to undertake new and ambitious commitments, as well as to build on past successes. Public consultation processes during the development of action plans can help build broad support for commitments and encourage their implementation.[16]​ OGP countries operate under a biennial plan cycle, in which they continually implement their programs. The government must regularly report on its progress and work with civil society to follow through and complete agreed reforms. An independent investigator appointed by the OMB evaluates progress at regular intervals Independent reporting mechanism.

• - In addition to providing a space where governments and civil society can share information in person, the OGP wanted to find a way to highlight world leaders in transparency efforts. For this reason, in 2014, the OGP established the OGP Awards. They recognize the most inspiring and impactful innovations in open government among a set of candidates presented by civil society organizations.[17]​.

OGP countries meet regularly at regional and global events to share their findings in person and strengthen international cooperation.[18]​ The most significant of these events is the global summit, held annually since 2012.

Contenido

OGP se financia mediante una combinación de contribuciones de los países miembros, agencias bilaterales de desarrollo y fundaciones filantrópicas privadas. Las contribuciones de los países representan fondos básicos no restringidos que permiten al Secretariado de OGP prestar servicios a todos sus miembros. La financiación proveniente de donantes bilaterales y privados complementa estos fondos apoyando iniciativas específicas y prioridades estratégicas.

National participations

In May 2014 it was agreed that all countries would contribute to the OGP budget. Contributions are based on each country's income level (according to World Bank data) and its GDP level.[28] The steering committee establishes both minimum and recommended contributions.

Countries currently participating

*: founding country.

Eligible countries

The following countries have demonstrated that they meet the minimum eligibility criteria and are eligible to join the OGP:[30]​.

Azerbaijan

• - On March 2, 2015, 3 civil society groups in Azerbaijan sent a letter detailing their concerns about their ability to continue working in that country. Under the OGP's Upholding Values ​​and Principles Policy,[39]​ also known as the Response Policy, adopted in 2014, a report detailing the Steering Committee's investigation of these concerns was completed on May 18, 2015. As it found them justified, it also detailed the steps that the OGP should follow. Despite working with the country and attempting a solution that worked for all parties, on May 4, 2016, Azerbaijan was deemed inactive in the OGP. He had been a member since 2011.[40]​.

Hungary

• - On July 9, 2015, representatives of Hungarian civil society sent a letter demanding the intervention of the steering committee in the face of the attitude and behavior of the Hungarian Government, alleging that it had participated in a smear campaign against civil society organizations, creating a harmful climate for the efforts of NGOs.[41]​ On December 7, 2016, the OGP steering committee received a letter from the Government of Hungary in which announced his immediate withdrawal from the alliance. The Hungarian Government was being reviewed by the OGP since July 2015 due to concerns expressed by civil society organizations regarding its space to operate in the country.[42]​.

Türkiye

• - On May 4, 2016, the OMB drafted a resolution to demote Turkey to an inactive member if the Turkish government did not outline the action plan to implement open government policies. The country, under President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, has jailed 152 journalists and closed 174 media outlets on various charges, including defamation and terrorism. Allegations surrounding media repression maintain that journalists are being targeted for being spokespersons for opposition to President Erdogan's authority.[43]​[44]​ On September 21, 2016, the steering committee approved this resolution and declared Turkey an "inactive" member of the OGP. The country was given a one-year trial period to develop a national action plan, in consultation with citizens and civil society, until the steering committee reviews the country's status on September 21, 2017. Meanwhile the steering committee removed Turkey from the OGP. It was the first time that this was done due to a decision by the OGP. Hungary and Azerbaijan had previously withdrawn, but at the request of their governments first, before the OGP made its final decision.[45]​[46]​ The steering committee asked the Turkish government to publish a new national action plan and include citizens and civil society in its development.[47]​.

• - Open government index.

• - International Transparency.

• - Official website.