Action plan – Khmelnytskyi, Ukraine, 2026 – 2027

At-a-Glance

Duration

May 2028

Date Submitted

19th February 2026

Foreword(s)

Khmelnytskyi City Council, together with its executive bodies, municipal enterprises, institutions, organizations, local higher 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 ... institutions, and civil society partners, is committed to jointly implementing and monitoring the Action Plan for 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 Initiative for 2026–2027.

This Action Plan reflects the shared 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... of the Khmelnytskyi City Territorial Community to further strengthen 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, openness, accountability, and public participationGiving citizens opportunities to provide input into government decision-making leads to more effective governance, improved public service delivery, and more equitable outcomes. Technical specificatio... in local governance. The Plan is grounded in the principles of the Open Government Partnership and is aligned with national legislationCreating and passing legislation is one of the most effective ways of ensuring open government reforms have long-lasting effects on government practices. Technical specifications: Act of creating or r..., including the Law of Ukraine “On Access to Public Information”, as well as the Digital Development Programme of the Khmelnytskyi City Territorial Community for 2021–2026 and other relevant strategic documents.

The implementation and monitoring of the Action Plan will be ensured through coordinated efforts of municipal authorities and stakeholders, with an emphasis on openness, regular public reporting, and sustained community engagement throughout the implementation period.

Open Government Challenges, Opportunities and Strategic Vision

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

The Action Plan for the OGP Initiative implementation envisages the fulfillment of commitments, an increase in the transparency level, openness, and accountability of the City Council, its executive bodies, communal enterprises, institutions, organizations, and contributes to strengthening cooperation with civil society institutions.

The planning of these commitments by the Khmelnytskyi City Council is taking place in the context of Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine, which has significantly affected all areas of social and economic life within the community and has generated new challenges for open governance. Accordingly, the implementation of open government mechanisms must take into account security risks, changes in social interaction, increased pressure on local services, the integration of new residents, in particular internally displaced persons, and other war-related challenges. 

In response to the current challenges, local policies in Khmelnytskyi focus on safety, resilience, and comfort. The city is implementing measures to ensure a secure and inclusive living environment for all residents. At the same time, Khmelnytskyi follows a long-term development path aimed at balanced economic growth, social inclusionOGP participating governments are working to create governments that truly serve all people. Commitments in this area may address persons with disabilities, women and girls, lesbian, gay, bisexual, tr... More, and environmental sustainability. These three pillars are brought together through open government tools that promote transparency, participation, and accountability, with the overarching goal of improving the quality of life for people.

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

Khmelnytskyi has made notable progress in advancing open government, with strong results in transparency, digital governanceAs evolving technologies present new opportunities for governments and citizens to advance openness and accountability, OGP participating governments are working to create policies that deal with the ... More, 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 civic participation. The City Council has expanded electronic democracy tools—such as e-appeals, e-petitions, online consultations, and participatory budgeting—strengthening citizen engagement in local decision-making.

A major achievement is the development of a comprehensive open data ecosystem. The city’s open data portal provides public access to 83 machine-readable datasets across key policy areas, supported by an expanded geoportal that includes digital mapping of green spaces. Together, these tools enhance transparency, accountability, and evidence-based environmental governance.

Khmelnytskyi has also improved digital resilience through a unified electronic document management system used daily by more than 700 municipal staff. This system ensures secure coordination across departments, reduces operational risks, and supports continuity of governance under wartime conditions.

Open government principles are further embedded in innovation-driven initiatives, including the “Green City” Action Plan and the GUFI Center. These efforts earned international recognition through the OGP Local Innovation Award, underscoring the city’s leadership in transparent, participatory, and impact-oriented local governance.

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

Despite notable progress in advancing open government principles, Khmelnytskyi continues to face a number of challenges and areas for further improvement. The city aims to strengthen the openness and transparency of public authorities, enhance public oversight and accountability, and ensure continuous and meaningful dialogue between local authorities, residents, and businesses. A key priority is to enable residents to fully benefit from digital opportunities by improving municipal management processes and expanding user-friendly and accessible digital tools and services for interaction with authorities and access to public services. Particular attention is given to promoting inclusiveness and accessibility across all open government processes.

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

The action plan seeks to make Khmelnytskyi more inclusive, transparent, digitally capable, and environmentally responsible. First, it aims to measurably improve physical accessibility and social inclusion by providing reliable public information on accessibility, incentivising businesses to adopt barrier-free standards, recognising inclusive practices, and building a shared culture of accessibility. Second, it strengthens evidence-based local governance by integrating the SDGs into decision-making through open, comparable data, public monitoring systems, and transparent management of environmental and cultural assets. Third, it increases digital inclusionPrioritizing digital inclusion — such as by expanding broadband access to remote areas or removing barriers to affordable internet — helps ensure all citizens have the opportunity to participate. ... More and civic participation by raising residents’ digital skills, expanding access to digital tools, and offering hands-on support in inclusive community spaces. Finally, it promotes sustainable consumption by reducing waste impacts, enabling reuse through shared resources, and embedding environmentally responsible behaviour across the community.

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

The action plan comprises four commitments aligned with the core values of the Open Government Partnership: access to information, civic participation, public accountabilityAccording to OGP’s Articles of Governance, public accountability occurs when ”rules, regulations, and mechanisms in place call upon government actors to justify their actions, act upon criticisms ... More, and the use of technology and innovation to strengthen transparency.

The first 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... aims to create a barrier-free community by ensuring equal access to services and opportunities for all residents, particularly persons with disabilities and groups with reduced mobility, through inclusive dialogue and innovative solutions.

The second commitment integrates the Sustainable Development GoalsOGP countries are experimenting with open government innovations to accelerate progress on the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 16+ which includes peaceful, just and inclusive societies... into community governance, promoting transparent decision-making, responsible resource management, and public access to information that enables citizens to monitor progress and co-create local solutions.

The third commitment strengthens digital capacity by expanding digital skills programmes and creating inclusive smart spaces, improving access to services and interaction between residents and public authorities.

The fourth commitment promotes environmental responsibility through open initiatives on sustainable consumption, encouraging 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 access to environmental information and data.

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

The open government strategic vision directly contributes to the achievement of the current administration’s overall policy goals by systematically embedding transparency, civic participation, accountability, and innovation into everyday governance practices. By institutionalising these principles, the administration improves the quality of public decision-making, strengthens trust between local authorities and residents, and ensures that public policies are responsive to the real needs of the community.

Through the implementation of the open government strategic vision, the administration effectively advances its key policy priorities, including the creation of a safe and comfortable living environment, improved quality and accessibility of public services, strengthened environmental sustainability, and inclusive urban development. Open data, digital tools, and participatory mechanisms help translate policy priorities into measurable results by improving transparency, coordination, and citizen engagement in local governance.

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.

• Department of Architecture and Urban Planning
• Communal Institution of Khmelnytskyi City Council «Khmelnytskyi City Development Agency»
• Khmelnytskyi Communal Enterprise of the Khmelnytskyi City Council “Khmelnytskinfocenter”
• Khmelnytskyi municipal enterprise “Spetskomuntrans”

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

To ensure strategic coordination and multi-stakeholder oversight of the OGP Action Plan, a Coordination Council has been established in the Khmelnytskyi City Territorial Community. The Council functions as a consultative and advisory body responsible for supporting the implementation of the Open Government Partnership Initiative at the local level.

The key responsibilities of the Coordination Council include facilitating coordination of activities related to the implementation of the OGP Initiative within the community; engaging civil society organisations in the implementation process; monitoring and analysing progress in the implementation of the Action Plan; and cooperating with international organisations supporting the Open Government Partnership. The Council is composed on a parity basis and includes four representatives of the executive bodies, municipal enterprises, institutions, and organisations of the Khmelnytskyi City Council, and four representatives of civil society.

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.

To enable collaboration between government and civil society in the co-creation and implementation of the Action Plan, a combination of offline and online spaces was used.

Offline collaboration took place in several institutional and public venues, including the premises of the Communal Institution of the Khmelnytskyi City Council “Khmelnytskyi City Development Agency”, the Small Hall of the Khmelnytskyi City Council, and the multifunctional event space Proskuriv Business Hall. These venues were used for working meetings, consultations, public discussions, and co-creation sessions involving representatives of local authorities, civil society organisations, experts, and community members. In addition, thematic workshops for students and 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 were organised to improve the quality, accessibility, and use of open data and open government tools.

Online collaboration and communication were ensured through widely accessible digital platforms and official communication channels, including the Khmelnytskyi City Council’s official channels on Telegram and Viber, the official website of the Khmelnytskyi City Council, and the City Council’s official social media accounts on Facebook and Instagram, which were used to share information, publish announcements and materials, as well as facilitate public feedback and engagement.

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

To ensure diversity of representation, including the participation of vulnerable and marginalised groups, targeted participatory measures were applied during the co-creation and implementation of the OGP Action Plan, with a focus on stakeholders often underrepresented in formal decision-making.

As part of the Action Plan development, a strategic co-creation session titled “Building an Open Community Together” was organised, bringing together representatives of civil society, business, educational and research institutions, and local self-government bodies. Using a structured participatory format, participants jointly developed ideas and proposals aimed at strengthening openness, accountability, and responsiveness to residents’ needs. The outcomes of the session informed the identification of priorities and refinement of the Action Plan.

Inclusive representation was further institutionalised through the establishment of the Coordination Council for the implementation of the Open Government Partnership Initiative. The Council operates on a parity basis, with equal representation of local government and civil society, and serves as a platform for dialogue, coordination, and monitoring.

In addition, a public presentation and discussion of the draft Action Plan was held with the participation of local authorities, civil society organisations, and active residents. Feedback received during this discussion was taken into account prior to finalising the document.

Who participated in these spaces?

A wide range of stakeholders participated in the collaboration spaces during 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... of the OGP Action Plan. Participants included representatives of local government bodies and municipal institutions, business representatives, educational and research institutions, as well as a diverse group of civil society organisations and community actors. Civil society was represented by organisations such as the NGO Women’s Anti-Corruption Movement, NGO Business School Katran, the Active Community Initiative in Khmelnytskyi (implemented by the NGO Institute Respublica), and the Information and Analytical Center “Khmelnytski Initiatives”.

In addition, the process engaged representatives of youth and student groups, women’s and genderOGP participating governments are bringing gender perspectives to popular policy areas, ensuring diversity in participatory processes, and specifically targeting gender gaps in policies to address gov... More equality organisations, organisations working with persons with disabilities, environmental initiatives, local activists, and volunteers. This broad participation ensured a balanced, inclusive, and multi-stakeholder co-creation process that reflected diverse perspectives and strengthened the legitimacy and relevanceAccording to the OGP Articles of Governance, OGP commitments should include a clear open government lens. Specifically, they should advance at least one of the OGP values: transparency, citizen partic... of the Action Plan.

How many groups participated in these spaces?

8

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

6

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

Government and non-governmental stakeholders will continue to collaborate throughout the implementation of the Action Plan through structured, regular, and transparent interaction mechanisms.

A key role in ensuring ongoing collaboration will be played by the Coordination Council for the implementation of the Open Government Partnership Initiative, which operates as a consultative and advisory multi-stakeholder body. The Council brings together representatives of local government and civil society on a parity basis and serves as a platform for coordination, dialogue, joint problem-solving, and monitoring of progress under the Action Plan.

Non-governmental stakeholders will be actively involved in the implementation process, including participation in working meetings, public discussions, roundtables, and thematic workshops organised within the framework of the Action Plan. Civil society representatives will contribute to monitoring implementation, providing feedback, and supporting public oversight of commitments and milestones.

In addition, as users of digital services and open government tools, non-governmental stakeholders will participate in testing e-services and digital solutions, providing feedback and recommendations to improve their quality, accessibility, and user-friendliness.

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

The Independent Monitoring Body for the Action Plan is the Coordination Council for the Implementation of the Open Government Partnership Initiative in the Khmelnytskyi City Territorial Community.

The Coordination Council functions as a consultative and advisory multi-stakeholder body and includes equal representation of local government representatives and civil society organisations. The inclusion of civil society representatives on a parity basis ensures independent monitoring and enables objective assessment, public oversight, and continuous dialogue between authorities and the community

Provide the contact details for the independent monitoring body.

• Trebyk Liudmyla, Co-Chair of the Coordination Council for the Implementation of the Open Government Partnership Initi, [email protected]

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

To discuss progress on commitments with stakeholders, a combination of regular offline and online engagement activities will be implemented throughout the Action Plan period.

These activities will include public discussions, roundtables, thematic workshops, training sessions, and stakeholder meetings, tailored to different target groups such as residents, youth and students, older people, and representatives of groups facing barriers to participation. Progress updates on the implementation of Action Plan commitments will be presented during these events, providing stakeholders with timely and accessible information.

In addition, stakeholders will have the opportunity to provide feedback, raise questions, and propose adjustments or improvements based on implementation experience. Online formats, including digital consultations, will complement in-person meetings and ensure wider participation. This approach supports continuous dialogue, transparency, and inclusive monitoring of the Action Plan in line with Open Government Partnership principles.

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

Progress reports will be kept on an ongoing basis. There will be taken measures to inform about the state of implementation with the involvement of the public.

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

The results of monitoring the implementation of the Action Plan will be shared with the public through regular and transparent communication channels. Information on progress, key findings, and updates will be published on the official website of the Khmelnytskyi City Council and relevant executive bodies.

In addition, monitoring results will be communicated through official social media channels, press releases, and cooperation with local media to ensure wider public outreach. Where appropriate, summaries of progress will also be presented during public events and stakeholder meetings, enabling residents and civil society organisations to stay informed and provide feedback.

Endorsement from Non-Governmental Stakeholders

• Liudmyla Trebyk, Deputy Head of the Information and Analytical Center “Khmelnytski Initiatives”
• Aliona Bereza, Head of the NGO “Women’s Anti-Corruption Movement”
• Iryna Biliavets, Founder of the NGO “Business School ‘Katran’”
• Yuliia Mazur, Regional Coordinator of the Civic Initiative “Active Community” in Khmelnytskyi, representing the Al

Commitments:

• Development of a barrier-free environment in the community through innovation and openness (UAKLY0004)
• Integration of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into community governance (UAKLY0005)
• Building the community’s digital capacity through the development of digital skills and the creation of smart spaces (UAKLY0006)
• Fostering environmental responsibility within the community through open initiatives on sustainable consumption (UAKLY0007)