Meet OGP’s new CEO, Aidan Eyakuze

As OGP begins a new chapter with a fresh leader at the helm, we sat down with our new CEO, Aidan Eyakuze to discuss his vision for the future of open government. Focusing on unity, collaboration, and positive change, Aidan shares his excitement about leading OGP at a time when transparencyAccording to OGP’s Articles of Governance, transparency occurs when “government-held information (including on activities and decisions) is open, comprehensive, timely, freely available to the pub... More and citizen engagement are more important than ever.

What excites you the most about stepping into this role as CEO of OGP at this pivotal time for democracies everywhere?

The community itself. From governments and civil society organizations to citizens and partners supporting our work around the world—this is a vibrant, committed, and ambitious community. It’s an incredible moment to lead the Partnership, especially in the face of both immediate and long-term global challenges. I believe OGP is uniquely positioned to tackle those challenges, making this role so exciting.

What’s one piece of leadership advice that has stuck with you?

I’ll never forget someone sharing with me that: “leadership is a serious business, but don’t take yourself too seriously as a leader.” It’s a reminder that, while the work can be complex and demanding, it’s important to stay humble—to listen, to be open, and to lead with empathy. Taking yourself too seriously can inflate your ego and create distance. I always try to keep that advice in mind: take the work seriously, but not yourself.

You’ve spent years working in transparency and citizen engagement. What’s one moment that reinforced your belief in the power of open government?

There have been many, but the most powerful moments are when governments truly listen to citizens and turn their input into action—whether through laws or practices. In my own country, Tanzania, we’ve seen citizen voices influence policies on issues like taxation. When the government listened and adjusted taxation policies that impacted millions, that was a magic moment. The essence of open government is all about citizens being heard and governments responding for the public good. And that’s exactly what OGP aims to make possible every day both at the local and national level.

Around the world, we’re seeing both progress and setbacks for open government. What do you see as the most urgent challenge for the OGP community today, and how can we respond?

Right now, one of the most urgent challenges is the need to come together more intentionally and creatively to push back against democratic backsliding. We need a united front—governments and citizens alike—working collaboratively to reaffirm commitments to democratic principles, international law, and multilateralism. This is the moment to strengthen our connections and shared approaches to open governance.

OGP is unique because it brings governments and civil society together. What’s one way you think we can make this collaboration even stronger, especially in today’s context?

It starts with something very simple but incredibly powerful: listening. Listening to one another with empathy and intentional understanding of each other’s perspectives. Governments face complex demands, and civil society has urgent, legitimate concerns. If both sides truly hear each other—not just the words, but the intent and the context—trust can be rebuilt. That trust can then give rise to powerful ideas and reforms.

As you begin this journey, what’s your biggest hope for OGP in the next few years?

I have many hopes for the Partnership and for the broader vision of open government. Most of all, I hope that in this moment of challenge, we can come together, reflect creatively on the unique value we bring to the world, and tell the powerful stories of success that already exist across the Partnership. These stories—full of effort, energyEnsuring universal access to sustainable, dependable, and affordable energy is critical to every aspect of prosperity. Increasing public oversight and transparency in the energy sector can help to ens... More, and impact—can inspire us to aim even higher. Over the last 13 and a half years, we’ve built real value. Now is the time to make that value shine and to motivate us all for the hard work ahead. I’m optimistic that we can do it—we have the assets, the energy, and the community to succeed.

What is the legacy that you hope to have?

I’m an optimist by nature, and I’d love for the Partnership to reflect that spirit of possibility—the belief that we can change the world and achieve big, transformational goals together. If we come together and collaborate deeply, we can accomplish a lot. OGP is one of the few communities that brings this level of collaboration between citizens and governments. I hope to leave behind a legacy of positivity and optimism—an enduring sense that we can always aim higher and do better, together.

Is there a message you have for the community?

My biggest hope for the community is that we resist despair. Let’s not be disillusioned or weighed down by the difficulties of the moment. These moments can and do pass, but they’re shaped by the decisions we make now—and those decisions are shaped by the attitude we bring. My message is simple: adopt a “can-do” spirit. Believe that we can respond positively, that we’re resilient—and even more than that, we’re anti-fragile. Just like carbon becomes a diamond under intense pressure, this could be our moment to shine. This is a chance for the Partnership and our community to become something brilliant—to offer a new way of governing ourselves that reflects the best of what we can be.