Civic Space (ES0108)

1.3.1 Improvement of the Open Government forum for dialogue with civil society

Brief description

Improvements will be made to the functioning of the Open Government Forum to ensure maximum participation, taking into account proposals from citizens and civil society organisations.

Likewise, the functioning of working groups will be reinforced as spaces for reflection and debate where representatives of public administrations and civil society share information and experiences, generate knowledge and exchange good practices on open government. These groups will continue to monitor and report on the commitments of the 5th Plan. The HazLab participation platform will be used to support this, allowing not only for the monitoring of compliance with commitments, but also for the promotion of co-creation, consultation and continuous improvement of public policies from an open government perspective.

Objectives

To create favourable conditions for civil society and public sector representatives to discuss any issue that promotes and strengthens open government.

The aim is to ensure maximum representativeness in its composition and to strengthen the active participation of the Standing Committee, in particular its working groups and other key actors in defining and monitoring commitments.

1.3.2 Promotion of the creation of the Helen Darbishire International Fund within the framework of OGP to support civic entities

Brief description

Spain, as co-chair of the Open Government Partnership (OGP) 2024-2025, together with the Philippine civil society representative Bantay Kita (Cielo Magno), plays a key role in promoting and consolidating the Helen Darbishire International Fund for Support to Civil Society Organisations in Open Government. To this end, it will carry out the following strategic actions:

1. Lead the creation and design of the Fund Spain is taking an active role in its structuring by:
• Promote its inclusion in the official OGP agenda and encourage its adoption as a global priority initiative.
• Define objectives, eligibility criteria, and financing mechanisms, ensuring that resources reach organisations with the greatest needs, especially in environments with restrictions on civic space.

2. Mobilise international funding Spain will leverage its leadership in the OGP and, in particular, the 9th Global Open Government Summit (Vitoria) to:
• Facilitate investment commitments from OGP member countries, promoting financial contributions from governments committed to democratic openness.
• Encourage the participation of the private sector and philanthropic foundations, incentivising investment in transparency and citizen participation initiatives.

3. Diplomacy and Strategic Alliances
• Include the Fund in international forums on democracy and human rights.
• Promote its adoption at the OGP Global Summit, securing public commitments from member countries.
• Strengthen Ibero-American cooperation, encouraging Latin American and European countries to join.
• Encourage the participation of Spanish and Latin American organisations in international alliances and projects for innovation and leadership in open government.

4. Global Awareness and Communication Spain will leverage its position in the OGP to raise the profile of the Fund by:
• International campaigns highlighting the importance of funding civil society organisations (CSOs) in open government, showcasing success stories and best practices.
• Organisation of international events and meetings to present the benefits of the Fund and formalise support commitments.
• Promotion of research and studies on civil society financing that support the need for the Fund.

Objectives

The International Fund to Support Civil Society Organisations in Open Government would have the following key objectives:
1. To ensure sustainable funding for civil society organisations that promote transparency, accountability and citizen participation.
2. Reduce inequalities in access to resources, prioritising CSOs operating in restrictive contexts or with limited financial capacity.
3. Protect civic space by supporting activists and journalists who face threats or limitations.
4. Promote innovation and technology in open government initiatives through digital solutions and participatory methodologies.
5. Strengthen international cooperation by facilitating the exchange of good practices and collaboration between countries"""