EU and Open Government Partnership launch “Partnership for Democracy and Accountability”

The European Union and the Open Government Partnership (OGP) have launched a Partnership for Democracy and Accountability to strengthen democracy and improve citizens’ lives across the globe through open, inclusive, and accountable government. Thanks to a €3 million contribution from the EU over a period of 40 months and operational support from OGP, the Partnership for Democracy and Accountability will advance open government efforts – on anti-corruption and accountability, gender, youth, inclusion, civic space, and participation – globally and in partner countries, including Colombia, Ghana, Honduras, Indonesia, Kenya, Nigeria, and the Philippines

Commissioner for International Partnerships Jutta Urpilainen said: “Democratic values are at the heart of the EU’s international partnerships and our Global Gateway investment strategy. The EU is strongly committed to working with partners to build inclusive, resilient democratic societies. I am pleased to launch the Partnership for Democracy and Accountability, in which we cooperate with the Open Government Partnership, governments and civil society to advance accountability, participation by women and youth, and a world that gives everyone the opportunity to thrive.”

Sanjay Pradhan, CEO of the Open Government Partnership said: “Reformers in government and civil society rely on the support from partners like OGP and the European Union to strengthen democracy and open government in their countries. The EU and the Open Government Partnership share ambition and values and I have always admired the EU for the leadership it has shown across the world. We are very happy launch this program today to help open government champions scale up their reforms and meet the challenges that they face. We look forward to our continued collaboration with the EU to make this a reality.”

At national level, the Partnership for Democracy and Accountability focuses on bolstering strong alliances and accountability between governments and civil society to mainstream open, inclusive, and participatory co-creation approaches and to advance ambitious policy reforms that match the priorities of each country. At global and regional level, the Partnership will boost cross-regional peer learning, coalition building and thematic knowledge around accountability, anti-corruption, civic space, inclusion, and participation.

The Partnership for Democracy and Accountability is a part of the Team Europe Democracy initiative by the European Commission and 14 EU Member States.

About the EU

The European Union is an economic and political union of 27 European countries. It is founded on the values of respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and respect for human rights, including the rights of persons belonging to minorities. It acts globally to promote sustainable development of societies, environment and economies, so that everyone can benefit.

About OGP

In 2011, government leaders and civil society advocates came together to create a unique partnership—one that combines these powerful forces to promote accountable, responsive and inclusive governance.

Seventy-six countries and a growing number of local governments—representing more than two billion people—along with thousands of civil society organizations, are members of the Open Government Partnership (OGP).

For questions or to set up interviews please contact communications@opengovpartnership.org

For More Information

Peace and governance (europa.eu)

European Union launches Global Team Europe Democracy initiative (europa.eu)

Open Government Partnership | Committed to making governments more open, accountable, and responsive to citizens (opengovpartnership.org)