The Maldives’ membership in the Open Government Partnership (OGP) will enable the Maldives to seek international assistance and cooperation to strengthen the decentralization system, Minister of Cities, Local Government and Public Works Adam Shareef Umar has stated. The Minister made these remark in an interview given to PSM News while attending the OGP Asia and the Pacific Regional Meeting in Manila, Philippines.
Speaking on the Maldives’ recently joining the OGP aa a member, Minister Adam Shareef said that although there are several laws in place in the Maldives, there are challenges in implementing and enforcing them. Therefore, joining an organisation such as the OGP will support efforts to address such challenges by collaborating with civil society organisations to ensure integrity and good governance, while also facilitating the technical assistance needed to further enhance the decentralisation system, he said.
“OGP is a movement registered in Washington, D.C., with over 70 member countries. The most important aspect of this partnership is that while legal frameworks already the exist, the association provides assistance to countries to practice good governance, accountability, and transparency while overcoming challenges such as corruption. Through this partnership, we are encouraging utilising the civil society to create new opportunities,” he explained.
The Maldives government announced its OGP membership during the OGP Asia and Pacific Regional Meeting. According to the government, joining the OGP will held promote public and civil society participation and build an environment that encourages accountability and transparency as well as good governance.
The OGP meeting is attended by official from the Ministry of Cities, Local Government and Public Works as well as representatives from Fuvahmulah and Kulhudhuffushi City Councils. As part of the meeting, they observed how cities in the Philippines are operated.