The Administrator has been invited to speak at the upcoming OGP meeting at the UN GA next week. Here are the draft remarks which also serve as an update on OGP.
The OGP shines for being a unique multi-stakeholder initiative that has established a platform that anchors governments and civil society as equal partners. Engagement between these partners has already resulted in the joint development and implementation of national action.
The rapid growth of the OGP to over 60 countries in less than 3 years indicates that governments and the people increasingly realize that democratic governance is critical to achieve long term sustainable development.
We also know this from consultations we have conducted to ensure that the post-2015 development agenda. To date, 5 million people all around the globe have participated in the MyWorldSurvey, setting their priorities for their own future.
Ranking fourth, after good education, better healthcare, and better job opportunities, is an honest and responsive government. A honest and responsive government is in fact one that adheres to OGP principles. So our joint work in the partnership is thus already supporting what many are demanding us to do.
As the largest multilateral organization supporting democratic governance efforts on the ground, UNDP efforts underline the importance of involving stakeholders in processes where decisions affecting their lives are made.
And it is exactly in this fashion that we have supported OGP activities in developing countries. For example, in Armenia, last April we co-hosted the national dialogue that resulted in the elaboration of a draft for the 2nd generation national action plan which contained 19 recommendations. As you are aware, the plan was approved last June.
In El Salvador we are directly supporting civil society stakeholders and networks to be part and parcel in the elaboration of the 2nd generation national action plan. To date, civil society has identified five priority areas. We are also ensuring that marginalized regions also have voice in the process. The plan is still under discussion and expected to be completed soon.
Undertaking this work on the ground is part and parcel of our democratic governance portfolio. On this ground, we now have basic evidence that having all stakeholders involved in key policy and decision-making processes improves not only transparency and accountability but also traditional development outcomes.
This is why the work of OGP is so important not only for all of us here but also for the people around the world who are still facing hardship in multiple fronts. The path seems clear and the new development agenda that will be finalized next year will surely follow these tracks.
