The Maldives has officially joined the Open Government Partnership (OGP), a global initiative aimed at promoting transparency, accountability and citizen engagement in governance. The announcement was made during the Opening Plenary of the OPG’s Asia and the Pacific Regional Meeting held in Manila, Philippines.
In a social media post, the Minister of Cities, Local Government and Public Works, Adam Shareef Umar, who is currently on an official visit to Philippines for the OGP Asia and Pacific Regional Meeting, expressed that the Maldives becoming a member of the OGP will support building an environment that encourages good governance. He credited President Dr Mohamed Muizzu for the initiative, stating that the decision to join the partnership was due to his wisdom and foresight.
The Minister stated that the Maldives becoming a member of the OGP will help the Maldives promote public and civil society participation, and in building an environment where accountability, transparency and good governance is encouraged. It will ensure that preventive measures against corruption will be adhered to in everyday norms in government practices, he said.
As part of the OGP Asia and Pacific Regional Meeting, the Minister engaged with heads of various Philippine government departments as well as leaders from other nations. He also met with representatives from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to discuss potential initiatives that can be implemented in the Maldives.
The Minister is also set to tour some local councils of Philippines where he will observe the councils’ work and governance practices. Additionally, he will attend discussions with the department responsible for local governance in Philippines. Minister Umar stated that a programme will be implemented in the Maldives based on these observations, under efforts to improve local governance in the Maldives.
The OPG Asia and Pacific Regional Meeting is held from 5 February to 8 February. Heads of governments of various countries, social organisations, policy makers, international organisations and stakeholders are participating in the meeting.