Four Highlights from OGP Local at the OGP Summit

At the 7th Global OGP Summit in December 2021, OGP Local shared exciting news for 2022 and hosted three main sessions alongside members and partners. Here are a few things you may have missed.

1. We formalized a new partnership with United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG) to  strengthen our collaboration in promoting open governance and increasing local voices in global agendas. OGP CEO Sanjay Pradhan and UCLG Secretary General Emilia Sáiz signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to formalize our partnership and collaboration that has been developing over the past several years.

2. Exploring themes that are uniquely local was the main focus of one of our sessions during the Summit where we heard from members and partners such as the Province of Córdoba (Argentina), Gwangju (Republic of Korea), and UCLG. Panelists gave practical examples about using open government as a tool to deliver on a variety of policy areas, such as urban development, 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..., and climate change.

3. OGP is deepening the collaboration between national and local governments when it comes to open government. As a core area of work for OGP Local national and local points of contact, from Argentina, Georgia, and Elgeyo-Marakwet County (Kenya) as well as OGP 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... member Lucy McTernan (Scotland) met during the Summit to discuss examples and future strategies to integrate both levels of government more effectively. These cross-level collaborations allow for deeper knowledge sharing between levels of government and mutual mentorship, or mentorship that commits to non-hierarchical methods of learning.

4. Incorporating open government and feminist approaches to tackle the challenges of the pandemic and strengthen democracy. A high-level roundtable of a distinguished group of women local leaders and reformers: Idza Priyanti (Regent of Brebes, Indonesia), Victoria Bruges Alsina (Minister of Open Government Catalunya, Spain), Margarita Barraquer (Secretary General of Bogota, Colombia), and Steph Muchai (OGP Steering Committee member) highlighted the efforts made by  local governments. Panelists spoke about the importance of equal access to civic participation and, more so now than ever with the pandemic, the importance of rebuilding trust among communities also by changing the stereotypes on women and their leadership. 

One thing is clear: the future of OGP Local is bright. Working with reformers in and outside of governments both nationally and locally is crucial to truly advance open government. That is why we also announced a new call for applications to join OGP Local in 2022 that is currently underway until March 16th. Up to 50 new local jurisdictions will join the already 76 members of OGP Local. You can find all information and materials to apply here.