Updated OGP Action Framework (2026)

Overview

The OGP Steering Committee has approved an updated OGP Action Framework for national members to ensure that OGP remains fit for purpose in today’s political and reform contexts.

The revised framework clarifies expectations, expands flexibility for members, and strengthens accountability mechanisms, while maintaining OGP’s core principles of co-creation, action, and accountability. In doing so, it strengthens the sustainability and credibility of the Partnership for the decade ahead.

This page summarizes the key changes and timeline for implementation.

What Has Changed

1. Shift from a single action plan model to action commitments
The revised framework changes the core unit of open government action from national action plans to open government action commitments.

Members may continue to organize commitments within national action plans if they choose. However, commitments may also be introduced individually or in batches, provided they are:

• Co-created,
• Time-bound,
• Clearly communicated to OGP, and
• Subject to regular review.

2. More flexible ways to take action
The framework introduces greater flexibility in:

• The duration of action plans, and
• The timing of submission and implementation.

This allows members to better align OGP processes with domestic political, budgetary, and reform cycles, while maintaining clear standards for participation and transparency.

3. Clearer and more proportionate review framework
The updated framework provides a new structure to clarify expectations and ensure proportionate consequences for both:

• What members need to do to maintain their active membership in OGP, and
• The standards for co-creation and participation during the development and implementation of action commitments.

The revised framework introduces staged and proportional consequences, with clear and predictable implications if the standards and their minimum requirements are not met.

4. Updated Participation and Co-Creation Standards
The Participation and Co-Creation Standards remain central to OGP participation.

We are introducing some updates to:

• Reflect the shift from action plans to action commitments,
• Distinguish between the foundational co-creation standards and their technical requirements, enabling more proportionate consequences when minimum requirements are not met, and
• Shift the application of the Standards from fixed action plan stages to ongoing requirements whenever commitments are co-created, implemented or co-reviewed.

5. Independent Reporting Mechanism (IRM) update
The updated Action Framework will also lead to adaptations to the way the IRM works.

The IRM is developing updates to its method which will result in corresponding changes to the scope, timing and format of its assessments to align with the revised framework. These changes are being developed through the IRM’s governance processes, including stakeholder consultation and oversight by the International Experts Panel and the Steering Committee.

Further details on the IRM updates are available in the FAQs (see below).

What Remains Unchanged

• Co-creation between government and civil society remains central to OGP.
• The Participation and Co-Creation Standards continue to apply.
• National action plans remain a valid option for organizing commitments.
• Ongoing processes remain valid and compatible with the revised framework.

Action Framework Implementation Timeline

What to expect in the coming months
Throughout this period, current action plan co-creation and implementation processes are not affected. Existing approaches remain fully compatible with the revised framework and members can continue as planned. The new flexibilities are available to you if you wish to explore them.

If you have any questions, please contact the Member Services team at [email protected] or your OGP Support Unit regional point of contact.

March 2026
OGP is developing and updating key materials, including the Handbook, Participation and Co-Creation Standards, and governance documents, to provide clear guidance needed. During this time, ongoing Action Plan processes may continue as planned. Members may take this period to familiarize themselves with the updated framework, with further explanation and discussion opportunities to be provided through webinars and regional sessions in April.

April 2026
Updated guidance materials available, including the Handbook, Participation and Co-Creation Standards, and governance documents, with operational guidance on how the revised framework applies in practice. OGP will offer webinars and regional sessions to explain the changes and discuss their practical implications across different contexts. By this time, members will have the materials and support needed to begin applying the opportunities the revised framework provides. Confirmed dates and participation details will be shared in the coming weeks.

May 2026
Webinars and regional sessions continue. Further guidance and resources available to support implementation.

Resources

• Updated OGP Action Framework adopted by the OGP Steering Committee
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for practical clarification
• Letter from OGP CEO Aidan Eyakuze on the Updated Action Framework
• What We Heard Report – Consultation on the OGP Action Framework Review

For more information, please contact the OGP Member Services team at [email protected] or your OGP Support Unit regional contact.