By GEORGINA MICHAEL
The two-day Southern Region and National Consultation Workshop on the Open Government Partnership (OGP), National Action Plan III (NAP) 2025-2029 and Social Accountability Framework (SAF) started today in Port Moresby.
The focus of the OGP is to improve government transparency, accountability and responsive for citizen’s needs.
The program brought together government and civil society champions of reform who recognize that governments are much more likely to be effective and credible if they open their doors to public input and oversight.
National Economic and Fiscal Commission director Eric Kumasan, who spoke on behalf of National Planning and Monitoring Secretary Koney Samuel, said: “It is a promise that the government will be transparent in its decisions, accountable in its actions and inclusive in its processes.
“In an age and a nation where trust in institutions is being tested, OGP offers a pathway to build and strengthen that trust. Transparency builds confidence, accountability reinforces integrity and participation gives every citizen a stake in their nation’s future.
“The government through its concerted efforts has undertaken certain reforms demonstrating our commitment to the global OGP processes, these includes, Whistle Blowers Act 2020, ICAC Act 2020, Public Finance Management Act (Amendments) 2018, National Procurement Act 2017, Digital Government Act 2022, and the review of the PNG Planning and Monitoring Responsibility 2016.
“The OGP commitments will be realized through effectively implementation of the PNG’S National Action Plan 2025-2029 which is aligned to the Medium-Term Development Plan 2023 -2027.
“Through the Open Government Partnership, we commit to, making government data accessible and understandable, strengthening anti-corruption efforts and the rule of law, encouraging citizen participation in policy making, using technology and innovation to improve service delivery.
“However, Open Government Partnership cannot be achieved by government alone, it requires collaboration between development partners, government agencies sub nationals, civil society organizations, the private sector, and most importantly, the citizens to contribute your share of commitments in ensuring a government that is more transparent, accountable and responsive to people needs.
“As we celebrate our 50th Anniversary (Golden Jubilee), let us embrace the Open Government Partnership not as a task we must complete, but as a journey we choose to take together. A journey towards a society where openness is our strength, accountability is our culture, and participation is our right,” Mr Kumasan said.
The consultation workshop will end tomorrow with recommendations from stakeholders, including government agencies, private sector and churches to formulate of the 3rd NAP 2025-2029 and SAF.