OGPs

Open Government Partnerships (OGPs) are an international multilateral initiative intended to promote open government reforms through commitments by governments and civil society. The aim is to increase transparency, improve public participation, strengthen accountability, and use digital tools to enhance openness.

The initiative was launched in 2011 by a coalition of governments and civil society groups to advance practical reforms that make government more open and responsive. OGPs operate as a network of member governments and civil society organizations that collaborate on shared standards and practices for openness.

Membership and structure are built around four core open government principles: transparency, citizen participation, accountability, and the use of technology for openness. Countries joining the OGP commit to developing and implementing National Action Plans (NAPs) that set out concrete, time-bound reforms. These plans are typically created with input from civil society and other stakeholders and are periodically updated.

A key feature of the OGP framework is the Independent Reporting Mechanism (IRM), which evaluates the implementation and impact of each country’s NAP. The governance structure generally includes a Steering Committee comprised of government and civil society representatives, along with a Global Secretariat that coordinates day-to-day operations and events. The OGP also conducts global and regional meetings, including a biennial global summit.

Impact and reception vary by country, but supporters highlight progress in open data, access to information laws, participatory budgeting, and anti-corruption measures. Critics point to uneven implementation, political constraints, and the voluntary nature of commitments, which can limit accountability. Overall, OGPs aim to foster sustained, collaborative reform toward more transparent and inclusive governance.