OGP Youth Collective

The OGP Youth Collective was launched at the 2019  OGP Global Summit in Ottawa, in partnership with Accountability Lab, to promote the inclusion of youth voices in the co‑creation of OGP  Action  Plans. More than  100 young reformers have since joined, and encouraging progress has been achieved.

With the aim of continuing to grow and meeting new global challenges, OGP is relaunching the Collective as the premier global network where young leaders can meaningfully shape open government reforms, connect with peers, and engage directly with the OGP community.

All OGP members already implementing youth‑focused commitment,  or that have participated in any OGP process (co‑creation, multi‑stakeholder forums, implementation, monitoring, Open  Gov  Challenge, etc.) are encouraged to join the Collective.

Individuals may apply to one of the following memberships:

• OGP Youth Collective: group formed by young leaders aged 18–30 with proven engagement in OGP processes and open government initiatives, and the capacity to champion youth‑responsive commitments in their countries.
• Alumni Circle of the OGP Youth Collective: group of former Youth Collective members and like‑minded champions aged  31 + who remain committed to advancing youth-focused open government reforms, and who wish to foster intergenerational dialogue and mentor the next generation of leaders.

To apply, candidates must complete this short online application form. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and reviewed by the OGP Support Unit.

OGP strongly encourages candidates from historically under‑represented or marginalized communities (e.g. young women, LGBTQI+ youth, Indigenous or ethnic‑minority youth, youth with disabilities, and young people from rural or low‑income backgrounds).

For full eligibility details, review the Terms of Reference.

Members of the OGP Youth Collective and Alumni Circle work together to accelerate youth‑responsive processes, commitments and Open Gov Challenges. Key activities include:

• Participating in national and local co‑creation processes for OGP Action Plans and encouraging other young people to take part.
• Representing OGP youth perspectives at national, regional and global events.
• Organizing and attending capacity‑building trainings, peer‑learning events, and other initiatives that promote ambitious, long-lasting reforms.
• Connecting Youth Collective members with external stakeholders (e.g. government reformers, CSOs, multilaterals) and championing fundraising or partnership opportunities.
• Acting as expert reviewers for OGP research, tools, policy briefs, and other knowledge products.
• Creating stories, blogs, and social media content for Open Gov Week, OGP Summits and other high‑profile moments.

To maximise impact and avoid duplication of efforts, the OGP Youth Collective collaborates closely with existing global youth coalitions and partners, including:

• Accountability Lab: Joint youth‑led accountability programs, support to youth-led civil society ecosystems, mentorship exchanges and learning opportunities/networks.
• Youth Democracy Cohort (led by the European Partnership for Democracy): coordinated advocacy during Summit for Democracy cycles and cross‑promotion of training resources.

The Collective’s Terms of Reference were developed jointly by the OGP, Accountability Lab and Youth Democracy Cohort to serve as the guiding principles.