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Uruguay to host the Open Government Partnership Americas Regional Meeting

OGP Support Unit|

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MONTEVIDEO, URUGUAY- 27 MAY 2016- In preparation for the 2016 Regional Americas Meeting of the Open Government Partnership (OGP) held June 1st and 2nd, some 500 participants from government, civil society, the media, and business from 25 countries are gathering in Montevideo to discuss ways in which open government can be harnessed to address pressing issues in this region of the world. The event is co-organized by OGP, Agencia de Gobierno electrónico y Sociedad de la Información y del Conocimiento (AGESIC), the President’s Office of Uruguay, DATA Uruguay, and Open Government Network of Uruguay (RGA Uruguay).

In line with OGP’s principles of broad cooperation and participation, the Meeting’s topics were suggested by participants, reflecting the interests and priorities of the region’s open government community. Several high-ranking leaders are expected to attend from civil society, the Uruguayan government, and ministerial representatives from countries in the region included Argentina, Colombia, and the United States.

“The Americas regional meeting offers a unique opportunity for government and civil society organizations from across the region to gather in one place to connect, inspire each other, and share experiences on transformational reforms that can make governments open, responsive to citizens, and more ambitious,” said new OGP CEO, Sanjay Pradhan.

José Clastornik, the executive director of AGESIC, the lead government agency on OGP in Uruguay, stated, “Throughout our participation in OGP, Uruguay has been at the forefront of the open government community in Latin America. In order to make open government a reality, it has required a good balance between establishing guidance and pursuing concrete actions.”

Fabrizio Scrollini of RGA Uruguay, a civil society network helping organize the event, said, “This meeting presents a unique opportunity to bring open government champions from across the region. This event attracts the reformers who, despite security threats and limited resources, work hard to improve our institutions, governments, public services and citizen participation. It allows us to work together to promote action when and where we need it the most.”

Commenting on the fact that 14 of the 17 participating OGP countries in the region are currently developing new commitments, Alonso Cerdan from the Government Support and Exchange team in the OGP Support Unit added, “The timing of the Americas Regional Meeting presents an excellent opportunity for open government champions in civil society and government to push for truly transformative commitments that address the key challenges faced by the region, such as corruption, human rights, and security.”

The main content of the event will be translated to English. Dates and times are as follows:

  • May 30 – 8:45am to 5:30pm – Data Journalism Datacamp
  • May 31 – 8:30am to 6:00pm – Civil Society Day Unconference
  • May 31 – 9:30am to 5:30pm – Government Point of Contact Conference
  • June 1 – 8:30am to 6:40pm – OGP Americas Regional Meeting
  • June 2 – 9:00am to 6:00pm – OGP Americas Regional Meeting

A media briefing (in Spanish) will be held on May 30 at 5:30pm at Casona Mauá as part of the Data Journalism Bootcamp. Journalists interested in attending the Data Bootcamp and Regional Meeting, must first register at ogpmontevideo.uy.

For more information about the meeting, please visit ogpmontevideo.uy.

Notes to editors:

  • About Open Government Partnership (OGP):

OGP launched in September 2011 with eight governments and nine civil society organizations at a side event during the United Nations General Assembly. Today OGP is composed of 69 governments and hundreds of civil society organizations who together have made over 2,500 commitments to bring about greater transparency and accountability in government, facilitating real changes that improve the lives of citizens around the world. For further information visit: http://www.opengovpartnership.org

  • About the Open Government Partnership’s Regional Meetings:

Regional meetings provide an important opportunity for regional reformers, and those from abroad, to come together to exchange open government experiences, and share best practices and latest news with a special focus on the Region. Through panels and interactive workshops, Regional Meetings help connect members of government, academia, civil society, business and multilateral organizations facilitating peer learning across countries and continents.

Media Contact: Madaleine Weber, Communications Officer, mweber@opengovpartnership.org

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OGP Support Unit
Open Government Partnership