Action plan – Fuvahmulah, Maldives, 2024 – 2025

At-a-Glance

Duration

May 2026

Date Submitted

14th December 2024

Foreword(s)

The Fuvahmulah Council, in partnership with civil society and key stakeholders, is proud to present this comprehensive plan, designed to foster sustainable development, enhance community welfare, and safeguard the island’s unique environment. This plan represents a shared vision and a collective commitmentOGP commitments are promises for reform co-created by governments and civil society and submitted as part of an action plan. Commitments typically include a description of the problem, concrete action... to the growth and prosperity of Fuvahmulah, ensuring that no one is left behind in our journey toward progress.

The overarching goal of this plan is to transform Fuvahmulah into a model of sustainable island living. With its rich biodiversity and unique geography, Fuvahmulah holds immense potential to lead the way in demonstrating how small island communities can thrive in harmony with their environment. Our ambitionAccording to OGP’s Articles of Governance, OGP commitments should “stretch government practice beyond its current baseline with respect to key areas of open government.” Ambition captures the po... is to:

1. Foster economic growth: Develop a resilient and diverse economy by promoting tourism, fisheries, and sustainable agriculture.
2. Enhance community well-being: Improve access to essential services, including educationAccountability within the public education system is key to improving outcomes and attainment, and accountability is nearly impossible without transparent policies and opportunities for participation ..., healthcare, and housing, ensuring a high quality of life for all residents.
3. Protect the environment: Conserve the island’s natural resources, promote renewable energyEnsuring universal access to sustainable, dependable, and affordable energy is critical to every aspect of prosperity. Increasing public oversight and transparency in the energy sector can help to ens... More, and implement climate-adaptive measures.
4. Strengthen governance and accountability: Enhance transparencyAccording to OGP’s Articles of Governance, transparency occurs when “government-held information (including on activities and decisions) is open, comprehensive, timely, freely available to the pub... More, foster citizen engagement, and ensure the efficient delivery of public services.

Successful implementation of this plan requires the active participation and cooperation of all stakeholders. The Fuvahmulah city Council will lead the coordination efforts, with civil society organizations playing a vital role in community engagement and advocacy.

Open Government Challenges, Opportunities and Strategic Vision

What is the long-term vision for open government in your context and jurisdiction?

Fuvahmulah City Council envisions a future where transparency, accountability, and citizen engagement are the cornerstone of governance. As the island continues to grow and evolve, open government practices will be pivotal in fostering trust, driving inclusive development, and ensuring that all voices are heard in decision-making processes. Our long-term vision is rooted in three overarching goals: enhancing transparency, empowering citizens, and leveraging technology for better governance.

1. A Transparent and Accountable Governance Framework
2. Empowering citizens through participation
3. Leveraging technology for open governance
4. Building a culture of trust and collaboration
5. Sustainability and resilience
6. Measuring progress

To ensure that our vision for open government is realized, we will implement a comprehensive monitoring and evaluation framework. Key performance indicators (KPIs) will be developed to track progress in areas such as public access to information, citizen participationAccording to OGP’s Articles of Governance, citizen participation occurs when “governments seek to mobilize citizens to engage in public debate, provide input, and make contributions that lead to m... More, and service delivery efficiency. Regular progress reports will be published, providing a transparent account of our achievements and challenges.

What are the achievements in open government to date (for example, recent open government reforms)?

Fuvahmulah City Council has made significant strides in implementing open government principles, with notable achievements in transparency, citizen engagement, and the use of technology to enhance governance. These efforts have laid a strong foundation for fostering trust between the council and the community, promoting accountability, and ensuring that governance processes are inclusive and participatory. Below are the key achievements in open government to date:

1. Enhanced transparency and access to information
2. Strengthened citizen participation
3. Leveraging technology for open governance
4. Improved accountability mechanisms

What are the current challenges/areas for improvement in open government that the jurisdiction wishes to tackle?

Current Challenges and Areas for Improvement in Open Government: Fuvahmulah City Council

1. Limited technological infrastructure

Challenges: While e-governance platforms and digital tools have been introduced, the technological infrastructure required to support these initiatives remains underdeveloped.

Areas of improvement include developing infrastructure with the sub-steps of investing in robust IT infrastructure (high-speed internet access, to ensure equitable access to digital services across the island).

2. Transparency in decision-making

Challenges: While the Council has made efforts to disclose information, certain areas of governance, such as procurement processes and land allocation decisions, are perceived as lacking full transparency.

Areas of improvement include enhanced disclosure policies with the aim of establishing mandatory disclosure requirements for all major decisions, including detailed explanations and supporting data.

3. Environmental and climate challenges

Challenges: The island faces pressing environmental issues, including coastal erosion, waste management, and water resource scarcity.

Areas of improvement include Open environmental data platform to publish data on environmental indicators such as water quality, waste management, and climate risks to inform and engage citizens.

What are the medium-term open government goals that the government wants to achieve?

Fuvahmulah City Council envisions a governance model that is transparent, accountable, and inclusive, enabling citizens to actively participate in shaping the island’s future. In the medium term, the Council aims to address existing challenges, enhance its ongoing initiatives, and set the stage for sustainable and impactful open government reforms.

• Expanding transparency and access to information
• Strengthening citizen participation
• Enhancing accountability mechanisms
• Leveraging technology for governance
• Addressing environmental and climate challenges
• Promoting a culture of openness

How does this action plan contribute to achieve the Open Government Strategic Vision?

Fuvahmulah City Council’s Open Government Strategic Vision seeks to foster a governance system rooted in transparency, accountability, inclusivity, and collaboration. The action plan developed by the Council is closely aligned with this vision and provides a roadmap for implementing initiatives that will transform the relationship between citizens and their local government. This plan contributes to achieving the strategic vision in the following key ways:

• Enhancing transparency
• Promoting citizen engagement and inclusivity
• Strengthening accountability mechanisms
• Leveraging technology for open governance
• Addressing environmental sustainability and climate resilience
• Building capacity for open government
• Aligning with global standards
• Monitoring and evaluating progress

How does the open government strategic vision contribute to the accomplishment of the current administration’s overall policy goals?

The Fuvahmulah City Council’s Open Government Strategic Vision serves as a transformative framework that aligns with and bolsters the broader policy objectives of the current administration. By embedding principles of transparency, accountability, inclusivity, and collaboration into governance practices, the vision accelerates the Council’s ability to deliver on its development goals while fostering trust and active participation among citizens.

• Strengthening governance and public trust
• Advancing inclusive development goals
• Boosting economic development and efficiency
• Addressing environmental and climate challenges
• Enhancing social cohesion and community engagement

Fuvahmulah continues to grow and develop, this alignment will ensure that the island remains a model of good governance and community-driven progress in the Maldives and beyond.

Engagement and Coordination in the Open Government Strategic Vision and OGP Action Plan

Please list the lead institutions responsible for the implementation of this OGP action plan.

• Fuvahmulah City Council

What kind of institutional arrangements are in place to coordinate between government agencies and departments to implement the OGP action plan?

The successful implementation of the Open Government PartnershipThe Open Government Partnership (OGP) is a multi-stakeholder initiative focused on improving government transparency, ensuring opportunities for citizen participation in public matters, and strengthen... More (OGP) action plan in Fuvahmulah City requires robust institutional arrangements to foster collaboration, ensure accountability, and streamline efforts across government agencies, departments, and stakeholders. Recognizing the complexity of coordinating open government initiatives, the Council has established mechanisms tailored to its local context and governance structure. These arrangements aim to optimize resources, enhance transparency, and ensure active participation from all relevant entities.

• Establishment of an Open Government Coordination Unit
• Inter-Departmental Coordination Committees
• Integration of Civil Society and Community Stakeholders
• Collaboration with national government agencies
• Technology-driven coordination tools
• Capacity-building programs
• Monitoring and evaluation mechanisms

What kind of spaces have you used or created to enable the collaboration between government and civil society in the co-creation and implementation of this action plan? Mention both offline and online spaces.

Fuvahmulah City Council is committed to fostering collaboration between the government and civil society in co-creating and implementing its Open Government Partnership (OGP) action plan. Recognizing the importance of inclusive and participatory governance, the Council has established a variety of offline and online spaces to ensure meaningful engagement and effective partnership. These spaces are designed to facilitate dialogue, share information, and co-develop solutions that address the needs and aspirations of the community.

Offline Spaces for Collaboration

1. Public forums and town hall meetings
2. Multi-Stakeholder roundtables
3. Community resource centers
4. Ward-Level citizen committees
5. Capacity-building workshops

Online Spaces for Collaboration

1. Fuvahmulah Open Government Portal
2. Social Media platforms

What measures did you take to ensure diversity of representation (including vulnerable or marginalized populations) in these spaces?

Measures to Ensure Diversity of Representation in Collaboration Spaces:

Fuvahmulah City Council recognizes that diversity and inclusivity are central to the success of its Open Government Partnership (OGP) action plan. To ensure that vulnerable and marginalized populations are adequately represented, the Council has implemented a range of targeted measures. These measures aim to create spaces that are accessible, representative, and conducive to meaningful participation by all segments of society.

1. Inclusive planning and outreach strategies: identifying marginalized groups
2. Customized communication channels: to ensure awareness of collaborative opportunities and local media campaigns
3. Grassroots advocacy: partnerships with local ngos and community leaders helped reach underrepresented groups directly, encouraging them to participate.
4. Accessible and inclusive physical spaces
5. Childcare services: on-site childcare services were provided to enable participation by single mothers or parents with young children.
6. Representation in decision-making committees
7. YouthRecognizing that investing in youth means investing in a better future, OGP participating governments are creating meaningful opportunities for youth to participate in government processes. Technical ... More engagement pro grams: to encourage active participation by younger residents.
8. Accessible online platforms.
9. Partnerships with civil society and grassroots organizations
10. Leadership development
11. Continuous feedback and adaptation: feedback mechanisms

Who participated in these spaces?

The co-creation processCollaboration between government, civil society and other stakeholders (e.g., citizens, academics, private sector) is at the heart of the OGP process. Participating governments must ensure that a dive... for Fuvahmulah City Council’s Open Government Partnership (OGP) action plan involved a diverse array of participants, ensuring representation across sectors, demographics, and interests. The inclusive approach aimed to gather insights and perspectives from all segments of the community, fostering collective ownership of the action plan and ensuring its alignment with local priorities.

1. Government Representatives; provided leadership
2. Fuvahmulah City Council Members: outlined the city’s governance challenges and ensured alignment with the Council’s strategic goals.
3. Civil Society Organizations (CSOs): Environmental officers highlighted the need for sustainable development initiatives.
4. Local Advocacy Groups: Women’s organizations, youth groups, and environmental advocacy bodies.
5. Vulnerable and Marginalized Groups: Included through women’s NGOs, community leaders, and direct invitations.
6. Educational Institutions and Students: Schools and Vocational Training Centers
7. Marine and Environmental Conservation Groups: Advocated for sustainable resource management and environmental protection.

How many groups participated in these spaces?

7

How many public-facing meetings were held in the co-creation process?

5

How will government and non-governmental stakeholders continue to collaborate through the implementation of the action plan?

Ongoing Collaboration Between Government and Non-Governmental Stakeholders in Implementing the Action Plan

Fuvahmulah City Council recognizes the importance of sustained collaboration between government and non-governmental stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of its Open Government Partnership (OGP) action plan. By fostering inclusive partnerships and establishing mechanisms for regular engagement, the Council aims to create a governance model that is participatory, transparent, and accountable.

• Institutionalized Multi-Stakeholder Platforms: To ensure continued collaboration, the Council has established formal platforms for regular interaction between stakeholders:

• Multi-Stakeholder Steering CommitteeThe Steering Committee is OGP’s executive decision-making body. Its role is to develop, promote and safeguard OGP’s values, principles and interests; establish OGP’s core ideas, policies, and ru...: Composition: Representatives from government departments, civil society organizations (CSOs), private sectorGovernments are working to open private sector practices as well — including through beneficial ownership transparency, open contracting, and regulating environmental standards. Technical specificat... More entities, and community leaders.

• Ward-Level Committees: Composition: Local community representatives, government officials, and CSO members.

• Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Frameworks: A collaborative monitoring and evaluation.

Please describe the independent Monitoring Body you have identified for this plan.

The independent monitoring body can oversee the OGP Action Plan effectively, ensuring that commitments are met and that governance is improved through transparency and accountability. The main crucial role will be play by civil society (NGOs and CBOs,) and independent audit firms.

Provide the contact details for the independent monitoring body.

• Ahmed Jawad, President, info@awaresociety.org

What types of activities will you have in place to discuss progress on commitments with stakeholders?

To ensure transparency and accountability in the implementation of its Open Government Partnership (OGP) action plan, Fuvahmulah City Council has developed a structured approach to engage stakeholders in monitoring and discussing progress on commitments. These activities are designed to foster meaningful dialogue, gather feedback, and maintain momentum toward achieving the goals of the action plan.

1. Regular progress review meetings
2. Multi-stakeholder steering committee (msc) meetings
3. Town hall meetings
4. Thematic workshops and focus groups
5. Open dataBy opening up data and making it sharable and reusable, governments can enable informed debate, better decision making, and the development of innovative new services. Technical specifications: Polici... and information sharing
6. Public demonstrations and events
7. Digital engagement and virtual platforms
8. Policy dialogues and strategic planning sessions

How will you regularly check in on progress with implementing agencies?

Fuvahmulah City Council recognizes the critical role that regular monitoring and effective check-ins play in ensuring the successful implementation of its Open Government Partnership (OGP) action plan. To achieve the ambitious goals outlined in the action plan, it is essential to establish a robust system for tracking progress, identifying challenges, and ensuring timely action by implementing agencies. Below, we outline the various methods and mechanisms that will be employed to regularly check in on progress with implementing agencies, ensuring transparency, accountability, and the continuous achievement of desired outcomes.

1. Establishment of a centralized monitoring unit
2. Online progress dashboard and reporting tools
3. Biannual stakeholder review sessions
4. Departmental check-in meetings
5. Independent monitoring and evaluation

How will you share the results of your monitoring efforts with the public?

Transparency and accountability are the cornerstones of Fuvahmulah City Council’s approach to governance, and as such, sharing the results of monitoring efforts with the public is a critical element in the successful implementation of the OGP action plan. To ensure that citizens and stakeholders are informed about the progress of commitments, the Council will utilize multiple channels to present clear, accessible, and timely updates. These efforts are designed to keep the public engaged, foster trust in the governance process, and promote a culture of participation and feedback.

Below, we outline the various strategies and mechanisms that Fuvahmulah City Council will employ to share the results of its monitoring efforts with the public.

1. Online progress dashboard
2. Public reports and annual progress updates
3. Community consultations and public forums
4. Social media and digital platforms
5. Media engagement

Endorsement from Non-Governmental Stakeholders

• Ahmed Jawad, Vice, Aware Society

Commitments:

– Forming and Empowering an Environmental Defenders Group (MVFUV0001)
– Citizen engagement- improve citizen engagement through online portal (MVFUV0002)
– Open procurement process (MVFUV0003)