Open Government Partnership Initiative

Project description:

BiH is the only country in the region that has neither joined the OGP initiative nor initiated any actions in this direction. Considering that this initiative in a comprehensive way contributes to the realization of the concept of open government by defining the specific commitments in the framework of the preparation of an action plan for achieving standards of openness of government and citizen participation in decision-making processes, the accession of BiH to the OGP initiative would have multiple positive effects for the country.

The main objective of the project is to mobilize and empower CSOs to promote the initiative with a goal of formalizing BiH accession to the OGP.

Specific objectives are:

1. To mobilize/support/strengthen the civil society organizations through shaping an informal group of CSOs/key organizations which are already active in specific areas relevant to Open Government Partnership, in order to mobilize and promote the Partnership in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
2. To increase awareness of public officials, civil society organizations, media and citizens on the process of joining the Open Government Partnership
3. To improve the knowledge of public officials, civil society organizations and media on the process and obligations in order to join the OGP initiative.

Activities:

Planned activities will be implemented within sectoral and thematic groups and will include:

1. Analysis and research in the areas related to OGP initiative: access to information, fiscal transparency, decision-making mechanisms, citizens’ participation, public finances, financing of political parties, conflict of interest, assets declaration
2. Organization of workshops for public institutions, CSOs, media  on issues pertaining to OGP initiative
3. Advocacy about fulfilling minimal standards for joining OGP in four key areas (fiscal transparency, access to information, assets declarations, inclusion of citizens). Within sectoral and thematic groups advocacy activities will be directed towards improving legal framework and practices.

Expected results

Increased engagement of CSOs in BiH on improving transparency and accountability in the work of public institutions; raised awareness of public officials, CSOs and citizens on the OGP processes; increased knowledge of public officials, CSOs and media on the process and obligations for the OGP initiative.