Brazil and Steph Muchai to Co-Chair the OGP Steering Committee

To be succeeded by the United Kingdom and Laura Neuman in 2027

Washington, D.C. – The Open Government Partnership is pleased to announce the Government of Brazil and civil society leader Steph Muchai as Co-Chairs of the OGP Steering Committee. Their tenure begins at a pivotal moment for the Partnership, as governments and civil society across the world confront deepening democratic, environmental, technological, and economic challenges.

Brazil and Steph Muchai launched their Co-Chair Agenda at COP30 in Brazil outlining an ambitious program to strengthen democratic governance, nurture civic space, and demonstrate the real-world impact of open government reforms. 

“This is a pivotal moment to shape the next chapter of the Partnership, with shared purpose, meaningful collaboration, and sustained determination,”reads their Agenda. “[We] invite governments, civil society, and all stakeholders to redouble collective efforts toward open government for a better world.”

Their two strategic priorities as Co-Chairs are: 1) Open government in practice: Steering dual digital and environmental transitions for people and planet; and 2) Open government for a better world: OGP’s role in international dialogue and cooperation. Read more here. 

At the end of their term in October 2026, they will be succeeded by the Government of the United Kingdom and Laura Neuman, Senior Advisor for the Office of the Vice President of Peace Programs of The Carter Center, who will serve as OGP Co-Chairs for 2026–2027.

Chris Elmore MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Multilateral, Human Rights, Latin America, Caribbean), said: “As co-chair of the Open Government Partnership, the UK will stand up for democracy and civil society.  That’s what we’re doing at home through the UK Open Government Network and our Defending Democracy Taskforce. These efforts stand side by side with our pivotal work to strengthen open government and democracy across the globe.”

“I look forward to leading our efforts to guide this vital partnership of countries, local governments and civil society organisations, as we work together to address threats to democratic resilience, shrinking space for civil society, online disinformation and the scourge of illicit finance.”

“It is a privilege to help guide the Open Government Partnership as we collectively work to protect civic space and ensure that people have a real voice in the decisions that shape their lives,” said Laura Neuman. “Together with governments and civil society allies, we will strive to show that transparency and accountability are the foundation of more just, resilient, and inclusive societies.”

Together, the new lead and incoming Co-Chairs pledge to steer the Partnership, in collaboration with the rest of the Steering Committee and the OGP CEO, toward a more open, inclusive, and hopeful future, for people and for the planet.