MANILA – The bustling capital of the Philippines welcomed over 800 delegates, including government officials, civil society leaders, and policymakers from over 40 countries, for the 2025 Open Government Partnership (OGP) Asia and the Pacific Regional Meeting (APRM). The event, which kicked off on Wednesday and will continue until Friday, is being held at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Taguig City.
The summit aims to foster high-level discussions on enhancing open government practices and tackling regional issues through the exchange of successful strategies across the Asia-Pacific region. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. emphasized the importance of the gathering, stating, “This meeting is not just about showcasing achievements. It’s a call to action, a rallying cry for solidarity among nations… Through trust, collaboration, and faith in our people’s power, we can create a world where every citizen’s voice matters and every government is held accountable.”
The OGP, a multi-stakeholder initiative, currently involves 75 countries and 150 local governments, representing over two billion people and numerous civil society organizations committed to promoting transparent, participatory, inclusive, and accountable governance.
President Marcos is scheduled to give the keynote address during the opening plenary on Thursday. Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, who chairs the Philippine-OGP Steering Committee, will deliver the opening remarks. Aurora Chavez, Executive Director of Malayang Lapian ng mga Kababaihan Inc. and PH-OGP Co-Chairperson, will welcome attendees on behalf of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs). Additionally, Aidan Eyakuze, the incoming Chief Executive Officer of OGP, will speak at the plenary about the partnership’s goals.
The conference features three key roundtable discussions: “Leadership in Action: Ambition and Collaboration for Strategy 2023-2028,” “Rising to the Challenge: The Road Ahead for Open Government,” and “A Regional Agenda for Open Government: How Economic Development, Democratic Security, and Open Government Intersect.”
In addition to these main sessions, the event will host over 20 breakout sessions and 35 side events, covering a wide range of topics such as youth engagement, climate change, economic development, policymaking, justice, anti-corruption efforts, and digitalization.