Inception Report – Action plan – Khmelnytskyi, Ukraine, 2021 – 2025
- Action Plan: Action plan – Khmelnytskyi, Ukraine, 2021 – 2025
Overview
Name of Evaluator
Romana Mykhailyshyn
Member Name
Khmelnytskyi, Ukraine
Action PlanAction plans are at the core of a government’s participation in OGP. They are the product of a co-creation process in which government and civil society jointly develop commitments to open governmen... Title
Action plan – Khmelnytskyi, Ukraine, 2021 – 2025
Section 1.
Compliance with
co-creation requirements
1.1 Does a forum exist?
Yes
Provide a brief explanation of your answer:
Yes, the forum exists. It is a key component of the local OGP (Open Government PartnershipThe Open Government Partnership (OGP) is a multi-stakeholder initiative focused on improving government transparency, ensuring opportunities for citizen participation in public matters, and strengthen... More) process, which ensures cooperation between the local council, civil society, and other stakeholders. In 2020, the city of Khmelnytskyi began its membership in OGP Local. The local authorities involved their resources (municipal enterprises and institutions, departments, and offices) and united with civil society institutions to develop the Action plan – Khmelnytskyi. The Action Plan was created under the guidance of the working group on open dataBy opening up data and making it sharable and reusable, governments can enable informed debate, better decision making, and the development of innovative new services. Technical specifications: Polici... development of Khmelnytskyi City Council, with the involvement of other stakeholders united by the common goal of increasing 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 accountability of Khmelnytskyi City Council (working group).
Provide references here (e.g. interviews):
Khmelnytskyi has joined the international partnership Open Government https. More here. The decision to establish a working group on open data development of Khmelnytskyi city council is also documented here.
1.2 Is the forum multi-stakeholder?
Yes
Provide a brief explanation of your answer:
In 2021, the city of Khmelnytskyi developed an Action Plan with expert support from OGP representatives. These representatives conducted training sessions in July 2021 for local authorities and the public to facilitate the implementation of the Initiative at the local level. The structural units of the Khmelnytskyi City Council and the municipal enterprise “Khmelnytskinfocenter” coordinated the development of the Action Plan. The working group sent more than 30 invitations to civil society organizations and individuals to participate in the development process. These invitations prioritized diversity in terms of age, genderOGP participating governments are bringing gender perspectives to popular policy areas, ensuring diversity in participatory processes, and specifically targeting gender gaps in policies to address gov..., migration status, and the inclusionOGP participating governments are working to create governments that truly serve all people. Commitments in this area may address persons with disabilities, women and girls, lesbian, gay, bisexual, tr... of both organized and unorganized groups, as well as residents of surrounding areas. Civil society was represented by local organizations, such as the Khmelnytskyi Initiative NGO, representatives of women’s NGOs (e.g., the Women’s Anti-Corruption Movement), and the Khmelnytskyi Initiatives IAC.
Civil society representatives submitted their proposals through an online survey and participation in focus groups. At the final meeting, all the ideas were discussed collectively, leading to the creation of the final version of the Action Plan.
Representatives of the Khmelnytskyi University of Management and Law also contributed to creating the Action Plan by providing methodological advice. Students from local universities, including Khmelnytskyi University of Management and Law and Khmelnytskyi National University, also generated ideas for the Action Plan. These students received training on using online services for visualizing open data through the “OPEN DATA CAMPUS” program.
Thus, the working group responsible for developing the Action Plan in Khmelnytskyi consisted of representatives from both governmental and non-governmental organizations, ensuring a collaborative and inclusive approach.
Provide references here (e.g. interviews):
- Government and community representatives took part in a training on the implementation of the Open Government Partnership Initiative. More on it here.
- Public Opinion Poll
- Final event to prepare the Open Government Partnership Initiative Action Plan for 2021-2022
- Open Data Campus
1.3 Does the forum hold at least one meeting with civil society and non-governmental stakeholders during the co-creation of the action plan?
Yes
Provide a brief explanation of your answer:
In 2021, during the development of the Action Plan, the working group held at least 3 meetings with stakeholders.
The meetings included training on the implementation of the Initiative, a focus group to develop ideas for the Action Plan commitments, and a final meeting where all the ideas were discussed among stakeholders and a final list of three commitments was formed.
Provide references here (e.g. interviews):
- Final event to prepare the Open Government Partnership Initiative Action Plan for 2021-2022
1.4 Has the action plan been endorsed by the stakeholders of the forum or steering committeeThe Steering Committee is OGP’s executive decision-making body. Its role is to develop, promote and safeguard OGP’s values, principles and interests; establish OGP’s core ideas, policies, and ru.../group?
Yes
Provide a brief explanation of your answer:
The main stakeholders who participated in the co-creation processCollaboration between government, civil society and other stakeholders (e.g., citizens, academics, private sector) is at the heart of the OGP process. Participating governments must ensure that a dive... and approved the first Open Government Action Plan for Khmelnytskyi were:
- NGO Khmelnytskyi Initiative
- Andrii Hnap, CEO / Data Analyst of Waste Ukraine Analytics
- Liudmyla Trebyk, Doctor of Science in Public Administration, Associate Professor of the Department of Public
- Administration and Management of Khmelnytskyi University of Management and Law
- Alina Voytyuk and Tamara Kozytska, representatives of the Centralized Library System of the Khmelnytskyi City Territorial Community
Some of them submit the Action Plan at the final meeting of key stakeholders to agree on the draft commitments of the Action Plan in July 2021. A representative of the Khmelnytskyi Initiative NGO participated in the presentation of the approved Action Plan on September 07, 2021.
Provide references here (e.g. interviews):
- Final event to prepare the Open Government Partnership Initiative Action Plan for 2021-2022
- Presentation of the approved Action Plan on September 07, 2021
Section 2.
Recommended practices
in co-creation
2.1 Does the government maintain a Local OGP website or webpage on a government website where information on the OGP Local process (co-creation and implementation) is proactively published?
Yes
Provide a brief explanation of your answer:
The website of Khmelnytskyi City Council publishes information on all stages of the Action Plan’s development. All the documentation related to the commitments and the development of the Action Plan can be checked there.
Provide evidence for your answer:
2.2 Did the government provide information to stakeholders in advance to facilitate informed and prepared participation in the co-creation process?
Yes
Provide a brief explanation of your answer:
The municipality played a key role in ensuring that stakeholders were well-informed and prepared for the participatory planning process. With its support, a training session was organized for representatives of local authorities and the public. These sessions focused on implementing the Initiative at the local level, equipping participants with the knowledge and tools needed for effective engagement.
In addition, joint discussion meetings were held, fostering constructive dialogue, enhancing understanding of key issues, and promoting the development of a shared vision among all participants.
Provide references here (e.g. interviews):
- Training on the implementation of the Open Government Partnership Initiative
2.3 Did the government ensure that any interested member of the public could make inputs into the action plan and observe or have access to decision-making documentation?
Yes
Provide a brief explanation of your answer:
The municipality ensured active public participationGiving citizens opportunities to provide input into government decision-making leads to more effective governance, improved public service delivery, and more equitable outcomes. Technical specificatio... in developing the action plan and decision-making process. Three public consultations were held, and an online survey was conducted to shape the Khmelnytskyi City Council Action Plan for implementing the Open Government Partnership Initiative. These initiatives provided an opportunity for interested community members to contribute their suggestions.
The survey collected data on respondents’ gender, age, and profession while also allowing residents to share their experiences using public information and open data from the Khmelnytskyi City Council. Participants evaluated the functionality of online resources and provided feedback on ways to improve them.
Additionally, the municipality ensured access to decision-making documentation through its website, promoting transparency and accountability.
Provide references here (e.g. interviews):
2.4 Did the government proactively report back or provide written feedback to stakeholders on how their contributions were considered during the creation of the action plan?
Yes
Provide a brief explanation of your answer:
The municipality actively engaged stakeholders by incorporating their feedback into the development of the Action Plan. Representatives of civil society had multiple opportunities to contribute their ideas, including participation in online surveys and focus groups. During the final meeting, all collected proposals were reviewed and discussed collaboratively, leading to the creation of the final version of the Action Plan.
In preparing the Action Plan, recommendations from experts, developed under USAID projects, were carefully considered. Additionally, the municipality analyzed public information requests submitted to city council executive bodies and drew insights from a public opinion poll.
Provide references here (e.g. interviews):
2.5 Was there an iterative dialogue and shared ownership between government and non-governmental stakeholders during the decision making process, including setting the agenda?
Yes
Provide a brief explanation of your answer:
Thus, as mentioned above, the final list of commitments in the Khmelnytskyi City Council Action Plan was compiled during a meeting of municipal representatives and the public, where each proposal was thoroughly considered and discussed.
The Action Plan for 2021–2022 clearly outlines the activities to be undertaken within the commitments, as well as the structural units of the municipality and partner organizations responsible for their implementation. This approach demonstrates the extent of collaboration among various stakeholders in developing the final set of commitments and defining milestones for their achievement.
Provide references here (e.g. interviews):
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2.6 Would you consider the forum to be inclusive and diverse?
Moderately
Provide a brief explanation of your answer:
The working group that developed the commitments included representatives of several vulnerable groups, including gender and women’s groups.
Provide evidence for your answer:
Section 3.
Initial evaluation
of commitments
1 CommitmentOGP commitments are promises for reform co-created by governments and civil society and submitted as part of an action plan. Commitments typically include a description of the problem, concrete action... :
Development of digital competencies of the community residents and formation of their digital culture.
1.1 Is the commitment verifiable?
Yes
Provide a brief explanation of your answer:
Yes, the commitment is verifiable because it contains clear measures, namely the implementation of the digital volunteering project and modernization of rural libraries into smart libraries through the Smart Community Library Networking project.
The commitment also outlines expected results, which serve as criteria for measuring the achievement of the commitment’s goals.
1.2 Does the commitment language/activities clearly justify relevanceAccording to the OGP Articles of Governance, OGP commitments should include a clear open government lens. Specifically, they should advance at least one of the OGP values: transparency, citizen partic... to OGP values?
Yes
Provide a brief explanation of your answer:
The commitment aligns with the values of public participation, as well as the promotion of technologies and innovations for public participation. It aims to engage citizens in digital initiatives through training and improved infrastructure.
The commitment also ensures access to information technology even in far locations, thereby empowering all segments of the population. Additionally, it introduces new tools within communities to enhance digital culture.
1.3 Please select one option that best describes the commitment:
a new regulationGovernment reformers are developing regulations that enshrine values of transparency, participation, and accountability in government practices. Technical specifications: Act of creating or reforming ..., policy, practice or requirement.
Provide a brief explanation of your answer:
The commitment aims to enhance the digital skills of residents by organizing training sessions in local libraries, which are being transformed into modern centers for digital educationAccountability within the public education system is key to improving outcomes and attainment, and accountability is nearly impossible without transparent policies and opportunities for participation .... Through the modernization of libraries, they will become not only a place for reading books but also a hub for mastering digital technologies. Here, citizens will learn basic computer skills, internet usage, and specialized programs or services that have become an integral part of modern life.
1.4 Please select one option that best describes the commitment:
will result in a change of the rules, practices or policies that govern a policy area, public sector and/or relationship between citizens and is binding or institutionalized across government or specific institution(s).
Provide a brief explanation of your answer:
The commitment will help to institutionalize new formats of public spaces and integrate digital skills into the daily lives of residents.
1.5 Are there any recommended changes to the design of the commitment to help improve its implementation?
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2 Commitment :
Providing businesses and residents with high-quality municipal services using digital technologies, rational management of community resources through open access to information.
2.1 Is the commitment verifiable?
Yes
Provide a brief explanation of your answer:
Yes, the commitment can be verified, as it has clearly defined measures:
- Integration of document flow into a unified information system;
- Implementation of the “Resident’s Cabinet”;
- Creation of sectoral subsystems and geo-information system registers.
The commitment also outlines expected results, which serve as criteria for measuring the achievement of the commitment’s goals.
2.2 Does the commitment language/activities clearly justify relevance to OGP values?
Yes
Provide a brief explanation of your answer:
The commitment aligns with the values of Transparency and Public Participation. The introduction of a unified information system and open registers enhances transparency and reduces corruption risks. Additionally, the “Resident’s Cabinet” facilitates greater citizen participationAccording to OGP’s Articles of Governance, citizen participation occurs when “governments seek to mobilize citizens to engage in public debate, provide input, and make contributions that lead to m... More in digital services.
2.3 Please select one option that best describes the commitment:
a new regulation, policy, practice or requirement.
Provide a brief explanation of your answer:
The commitment incorporates new approaches (introduction of new registers in the geo-creation of the geo-information system, introduction of the “Resident’s Cabinet”) that have not been implemented before.
2.4 Please select one option that best describes the commitment:
will result in a change of the rules, practices or policies that govern a policy area, public sector and/or relationship between citizens and is binding or institutionalized across government or specific institution(s).
Provide a brief explanation of your answer:
The implementation of these commitments involves integration into the citywide information system and ensures data openness through the institutionalization of new management tools.
2.5 Are there any recommended changes to the design of the commitment to help improve its implementation?
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3 Commitment :
Formation of the Green Course Action Plan, the development of the community’s economy. Community’s economy should be social and inclusive, climate neutral and ensuring growth.
3.1 Is the commitment verifiable?
Yes
Provide a brief explanation of your answer:
Yes, the commitment is verifiable because it includes specific measures:
- Development and implementation of the Green City Action Plan;
- Creation of an interactive space for schoolchildren, students, and adults in the format of a “Tour Center” to inform them about the waste management system and the impact of waste on the environment.
The commitment also outlines expected results, which serve as criteria for measuring the achievement of the commitment’s goals.
3.2 Does the commitment language/activities clearly justify relevance to OGP values?
Yes
Provide a brief explanation of your answer:
The commitment aligns with the values of accountability and transparency:
- it seeks to enhance transparency by introducing interactive educational formats;
- it establishes mechanisms for engaging citizens in addressing environmental challenges;
- it holds city authorities accountable for achieving specific environmental objectives, thereby fostering public trust.
3.3 Please select one option that best describes the commitment:
a new regulation, policy, practice or requirement.
Provide a brief explanation of your answer:
The development of the Green City Action Plan represents a new strategic approach that not only complements existing practices but also establishes new standards for waste management and environmental development.
3.4 Please select one option that best describes the commitment:
will result in a change of the rules, practices or policies that govern a policy area, public sector and/or relationship between citizens and is binding or institutionalized across government or specific institution(s).
Provide a brief explanation of your answer:
This commitment introduces a systematic approach to addressing environmental issues and aligns these efforts with global standards, ensuring its institutionalization.
3.5 Are there any recommended changes to the design of the commitment to help improve its implementation?
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