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How We Work

In OGP, governments and civil society co-create action plans, committing to implement reforms across a broad range of issues. Find out how OGP works and how to join below.

 

The Open Government Partnership is based on the idea that an open government is more accessible, more responsive, and more accountable to citizens, and that improving the relationship between people and their government has long-term, exponential benefits for everyone.

OGP is a broad partnership that includes members at the national and local level and thousands of civil society organizations. Through the Partnership, these powerful forces work together to co-create two-year action plans with concrete steps – commitments – across a broad range of issues.

This unique model ensures that civil society organizations or direct citizen engagement has a role in shaping and overseeing governments. Collectively, more than 4,000 commitments have been made globally.

Joining OGP

To join OGP, members must meet eligibility criteria, identify a lead ministry and commit to creating action plans containing concrete reforms in consultation with civil society.

Government Membership

More than 70 countries and over 100 local governments — representing more than two billion people — are members of OGP. All OGP governments sign on to the Open Government Declaration and are required to work with civil society organizations to co-create reforms as part of an action plan that can deliver real benefits to citizens.

Action Plan
Cycle

Action plans are at the core of participation in OGP. They are the product of an open co-creation process in which government and civil society work together to create ambitious reforms.

Accountability

The Independent Reporting Mechanism (IRM) tracks the progress of OGP members, providing public accountability on the implementation of commitments across two-year or four-year action plans. Monitoring progress promotes strong accountability between member governments and citizens.

Role of the OGP Support Unit

OGP staff support reformers in government and civil society in member countries with strategic planning, structured assistance for co-creation processes, relationship building, learning, and accountability. Experience and information are shared regionally and globally to enable peer learning. OGP also convenes coalitions around policy areas, including gender and inclusion, beneficial ownership, and more.

Governance
of OGP

OGP’s Steering Committee, Board of Directors, and International Experts Panel are comprised of open government advocates, leaders, and actors with experience and resources to specific topics and policy areas. Together they guard our mission and monitor our strategies to open government effectively and responsibly.