UN Development Programme (UNDP) and Open Government Partnership (OGP) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in which they reaffirm their joint commitment to advance the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development through open government initiatives. Having worked together as multilateral partners since 2013 to advance shared principles of transparency, open government, gender equality, inclusion, and rule of law – both institutions are now strengthening their partnership at the thematic, country, regional and global levels.

Through this MOU both organisations will collaborate to advance the implementation of OGP’s declaration entitled ‘Open Government for the Implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development’, and leverage OGP action plans as a mechanism to advocate for domestic reforms that enhance efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals – with particular emphasis on SDG 16 on peace, justice, and inclusive institutions and SDG 5 on gender equality.

“UNDP partners with over 130 countries on over 700 projects on their unique journey to create effective and accountable institutions, because peaceful and inclusive societies cannot exist without them,” said UNDP Administrator Achim Steiner. “This idea is at the heart of our work with countries to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, and this collaboration with the Open Government Partnership will greatly support that work.”

Signing the MoU on behalf of OGP in New York, Chief Executive Officer Sanjay Pradhan said: “Open Government Partnership is delighted to deepen its partnership with UNDP as a close and invaluable partner. We will join forces to accelerate joint activities and support for the achievement of the 2030 Agenda, with particular emphasis on SDG 16 on peace, justice and inclusive institutions as well as SDG 5 on gender equality. UNDP’s reach and expertise compliments OGP’s ability to leverage political support and enhance SDGs through OGP action plans.”

UNDP and OGP will collaborate in supporting countries to implement reforms related to SDG16, SDG5, and legislative openness by providing programmatic support and technical assistance to institutions and civil society organisations. OGP action plans offer a unique opportunity to advance these goals as a country-owned implementation mechanism for public service reform and citizen engagement, while monitoring progress through OGP’s Independent Reporting Mechanism.

As part of the Memorandum, UNDP and OGP will also identify global and regional convenings where both organisations can share experiences of and broaden support for open government and public service reforms, including the 6th OGP Global Summit on May 29- 31 in Ottawa, Canada and the 2019 High Level Political Forum.

Update news