In February, the capital of the Philippines, Manila, hosted the Open Government Partnership (OGP) Asia-Pacific Regional Meeting, bringing together government officials, civil society leaders, and policymakers to discuss the progress of open government initiatives and the region’s key challenges. Among the participants was NGO Center President Arpine Hakobyan, who delivered a speech during the Local Leaders Roundtable discussion, focusing on the role of civil society in the OGP process.
Armenia has been a member of OGP since 2011, adopting the principles of transparency, accountability, and citizen participation. In her speech, Arpine Hakobyan emphasized that these values have become an essential part of local governance in Armenia, particularly in the cities of Vanadzor, Yerevan, Metsamor, and Armavir. By joining the OGP Local network, these cities have contributed to the implementation of innovative mechanisms that promote more open and collaborative governance.
One of the successful examples of open government in Armenia is participatory budgeting, which allows community residents to directly participate in financial decision-making. This mechanism not only increases civic engagement but also strengthens public trust in local governance.
Civil society plays a crucial role in this process by ensuring a high level of transparency, promoting the inclusion of vulnerable groups, and holding local authorities accountable.
Despite the progress made, challenges remain that require systematic solutions. It is essential to legally institutionalize mechanisms for civic participation, develop digital tools to enhance citizen engagement, and strengthen cooperation between local authorities, civil society organizations, and the private sector.
The Manila conference provided an important platform for exchanging best practices in open governance, discussing innovative solutions, and shaping future strategies. “Open government is not just a political tool; it is a means to restore trust, empower people, and improve the lives of communities,” emphasized Arpine Hakobyan, calling on governments and civil society representatives to continue their joint efforts to ensure that open government becomes the norm, not the exception.
