Updated OGP Action Framework (2026)

Overview

The OGP Steering Committee has approved an updated OGP Action Framework for national members to ensure that OGP remains fit for purpose in today’s political and reform contexts.

The revised framework clarifies expectations, expands flexibility for members, and strengthens accountability mechanisms, while maintaining OGP’s core principles of co-creation, action, and accountability. In doing so, it strengthens the sustainability and credibility of the Partnership for the decade ahead.

This page summarizes the key changes and timeline for implementation.

What Has Changed

1. Shift from a single action plan model to action commitments
The revised framework changes the core unit of open government action from national action plans to open government action commitments.

Members may continue to organize commitments within national action plans if they choose. However, commitments may also be introduced individually or in batches, provided they are:

• Co-created,
• Time-bound,
• Clearly communicated to OGP, and
• Subject to regular review.

2. More flexible ways to take action
The framework introduces greater flexibility in:

• The duration of action plans, and
• The timing of submission and implementation.

This allows members to better align OGP processes with domestic political, budgetary, and reform cycles, while maintaining clear standards for participation and transparency.

3. Clearer and more proportionate review framework
The updated framework provides a new structure to clarify expectations and ensure proportionate consequences for both:

• What members need to do to maintain their active membership in OGP, and
• The standards for co-creation and participation during the development and implementation of action commitments.

The revised framework introduces staged and proportional consequences, with clear and predictable implications if the standards and their minimum requirements are not met.

4. Updated Participation and Co-Creation Standards
The Participation and Co-Creation Standards remain central to OGP participation.

We are introducing some updates to:

• Reflect the shift from action plans to action commitments,
• Distinguish between the foundational co-creation standards and their technical requirements, enabling more proportionate consequences when minimum requirements are not met, and
• Shift the application of the Standards from fixed action plan stages to ongoing requirements whenever commitments are co-created, implemented or co-reviewed.

5. Independent Reporting Mechanism (IRM) update
The updated Action Framework will also lead to adaptations to the way the IRM works.

The IRM is developing updates to its method which will result in corresponding changes to the scope, timing and format of its assessments to align with the revised framework. These changes are being developed through the IRM’s governance processes, including stakeholder consultation and oversight by the International Experts Panel and the Steering Committee.

Further details on the IRM updates are available in the FAQs (see below).

What Remains Unchanged

• Co-creation between government and civil society remains central to OGP.
• The Participation and Co-Creation Standards continue to apply.
• National action plans remain a valid option for organizing commitments.
• Ongoing processes remain valid and compatible with the revised framework.

Action Framework Implementation Timeline

The updated Action Framework has been approved and is now in effect. If you are in the middle of a co-creation or implementation cycle, you can continue as planned. Your current approach remains fully compatible with the updated framework. If you are thinking about your next steps, the framework gives you more room to design a process that fits your political and reform cycles. Members who wish to use the new flexibilities can begin doing so and consult with their OGP Support Unit regional point of contact.

What you can do now

Reach out to your OGP Support Unit regional point of contact. They can walk you through what the updated framework means for your context, help you identify where the new flexibilities are most useful for your country, and answer specific questions as they come up. 

What comes next

The remaining guidance materials are being finalized and will be added to the Resources section below as each is published. These include the updated OGP National Handbook, the revised Participation and Co-Creation Standards, and the updated governance documents that set out the activity and procedural review process. OGP will let members know as each one is completed and will continue to support members directly as implementation progresses.

Resources

• Updated OGP Action Framework adopted by the OGP Steering Committee
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for practical clarification (updated: July 2026)
• Letter from OGP CEO Aidan Eyakuze on the Updated Action Framework
• What We Heard Report – Consultation on the OGP Action Framework Review

For more information, please contact the OGP Member Services team at [email protected] or your OGP Support Unit regional contact.