The PNG Open Government Partnership (OGP) Secretariat unveiled its second National Action Plan (NAP) 2022-2024 and launched its official website at the Grand Papua Hotel on Thursday, December 14.
The event, sponsored by the Department of National Planning and Monitoring (DNPM), brought together representatives from across government, civil society, and the international community to celebrate this crucial step towards enhanced transparency and accountability.
The new NAP outlines 16 concrete commitments across six key areas: public participation, freedom of information, fiscal transparency, extractive resource transparency, government integrity, and data portal development. Each commitment boasts clear milestones, empowering citizens to track the government’s progress towards improved governance.
“This document stands as a testament to our collective commitment to building an open and inclusive government,” emphasized Micheal Kumung, DNPM Deputy Secretary. “The NAP and its accompanying website will serve as powerful tools for public engagement and accountability, enabling citizens to actively shape their future.”
Adding weight to the occasion was the presence of the European Union Ambassador to PNG, Jacques Fradin. Underscoring the EU’s unwavering support for open governance initiatives, Ambassador Fradin stated, “A transparent and accountable government is the cornerstone of any thriving democracy. We believe the OGP process in Papua New Guinea holds immense potential to drive positive change and address critical development challenges.”
The event also fostered cooperation and coordination among the six OGP cluster groups. Representatives from relevant government agencies and civil society organizations engaged in open discussions about the challenges and opportunities associated with NAP implementation.
“The success of the OGP process hinges on strong collaboration and shared ownership,” remarked Arrianne Kassman, CEO of Transparency International PNG. “This website provides a valuable platform for stakeholders to stay informed, share feedback, and hold the government accountable for its commitments.”
Flierl Shongol, Deputy Secretary of the Department of Information and Communication Technology (DICT), acknowledged the Co-Chairs’ vital role in driving the OGP forward.
He emphasized the importance of the partnership with the European Union and conveyed the department’s unwavering support for the initiative.
“We see digital transformation and technology as crucial tools to support the objectives and goals of the Open Government Partnership,” said Shongol.
“Our policies aim to make information readily available to the people, promoting both transparency and accountability.”
Moving forward, the OGP Secretariat intends to leverage the new website for regular updates on NAP implementation progress, ensuring transparency and citizen engagement throughout the two-year action plan period.