Over 800 Leaders Gather for Open Government Partnership Meeting in Manila

MANILA – Over 800 government officials, civil society leaders, and policymakers from more than 40 countries gathered in Manila for the country’s hosting of the 2025 Open Government Partnership (OGP) Asia and the Pacific Regional Meeting (APRM).

Meeting Focuses on Advancing Open Government

The regional meet will run from Wednesday to Friday at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Taguig City, featuring high-level roundtable discussions on advancing open government and addressing regional challenges through the sharing of best practices across the Asia-Pacific region.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. Commits to Solidarity

“This meeting is more than just a showcase of achievements. It’s a call to action, the rallying cry for solidarity amongst nations… Through trust, collaboration, and the belief in the power of our people, we can build a world where every citizen’s voice is heard and every government is accountable,” President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said in his solidarity message for the event, as quoted by a Department of Budget and Management (DBM) release.

About the Open Government Partnership (OGP)

The OGP is a multi-stakeholder initiative that includes 75 countries and 150 local governments, representing more than two billion people, and thousands of civil society organizations that advocate transparent, participatory, inclusive, and accountable governance.

Keynote Speakers and Opening Remarks

Marcos will deliver the keynote address at the opening plenary on Thursday. Philippine-OGP Steering Committee chair and Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman will deliver the opening remarks. Malayang Lapian ng mga Kababaihan Inc. Executive Director and PH-OGP Co-Chairperson Aurora Chavez will provide a welcome statement for the Civil Society Organizations (CSOs). OGP incoming Chief Executive Officer Aidan Eyakuze will also grace the plenary and talk about the partnership.

High-Level Roundtable Discussions

Three high-level roundtable discussions are set to be held as the highlight of the gathering. These include:

• Leadership in Action: Ambition and Collaboration for Strategy 2023-2028,
• Rising to the Challenge: The Road Ahead for Open Government,
• A Regional Agenda for Open Government: How Economic Development, Democratic Security, and Open Government Go Together.

Engaging Side Events and Breakout Sessions

The event also includes over 20 breakout sessions and 35 side events covering relevant topics including youth, climate change, economics, policymaking, justice, anti-corruption, and digitalization, among others.

Impactful Conversations for a Transparent Future

This regional meeting in Manila is set to be a critical gathering for fostering dialogue, sharing ideas, and devising strategies for more open and accountable governance across the Asia-Pacific region.

Conclusion

As leaders from diverse backgrounds come together, the aim is to pave the way for a more inclusive and transparent future. The discussions and collaborations at this event could hold the key to addressing some of the most pressing challenges facing the region.

We invite you to stay tuned for more updates on this momentous event and the positive changes it could bring about. Join the conversation on the evolving landscape of open governance in the Asia-Pacific region.