Agenda

The Government and Civil Society of the Philippines will host the 2025 OGP Asia and the Pacific Regional Meeting in Manila from February 5-7, 2025. This event will bring together government officials, civil society leaders, and policymakers from across the Asia-Pacific region, along with global and regional partners. Together, we will discuss progress on key open government initiatives and explore ways to tackle the region's most important issues. The agenda will feature a mix of high level and ministerial sessions, interactive breakout sessions, networking opportunities, and side events.

Additional details will be available on the event app, to be published shortly.

Agenda Summary

High-Level Sessions

The high-level sessions of the Regional Meeting will be a centerpiece of the event, showcasing exemplary leadership and inspiration on some of the most pressing issues facing the region. These sessions will highlight the importance of strong regional collaboration and leadership, emphasizing the role of open government in addressing shared challenges and delivering tangible benefits for people. Through these discussions, we anticipate hearing bold political commitments, actionable recommendations, and a clear case for advancing an open government agenda that strengthens trust, resilience, and regional cooperation. As with all OGP Regional events, the Opening and Closing Ceremonies will be a particular showcase of regional innovation and strength.  

Opening Plenary

Thursday, 6th February        9:00 - 11:30, Ballroom II and III

The Opening Plenary sets the stage for key discussions on open government. It features a State of the Partnership address, the welcoming of new OGP members, and insights from government and civil society leaders in a moderated dialogue focused on reinvigorating Open Government in the Asia Pacific Region.

Host

• Cathy Yang, Head of Programs, Cignal TV, Inc.

Moderated Dialogue: Reinvigorating Open Government in the Asia Pacific Region

• Moderator: Stephanie Muchai, next OGP Steering Committee Civil Society Co-chair
• Hon. Amenah F. Pangandaman, Secretary, Department of Budget and Management
• Agus Widjojo, Ambassador of Indonesia to the Philippines.
• Eka Gigauri, Transparency International Georgia and OGP Steering Committee Member
• Reynaldo S. Tamayo, Jr., Governor South Cotabato
• Cielo Magno, President, Publish What You Pay Philippines, Lead Civil Society Co-Chair of OGP

Confirmed Speakers

• Aidan Eyakuze, Incoming CEO, Open Government Partnership
• Rudi Borrmann, Director, Communications, Content & Community Engagement, Open Government Partnership
• Natalia Carfi, Open Data Charter, OGP Civil Society Steering Committee Member
• Rolando U. Toledo, Undersecretary for Budget Preparation and Execution Group, Department of Budget and Management, PH-OGP Steering Committee Second Alternate Representative

Leadership In Action: Ambition And Collaboration For Strategy 2023-2028

Thursday, 6th February         12:00 - 13:30, Ballroom I

The Ministerial Roundtable at the 2025 Open Government Partnership Asia and Pacific Regional Meeting offers a unique and significant platform for government and civil society leaders to convene and share insights on advancing open government in one of the most diverse and dynamic regions of the world.

This dialogue unfolds against the backdrop of complex global and regional transitions—geopolitical shifts, evolving trade landscapes, economic uncertainties, rapid technological advancements, demographic transformations, and escalating environmental challenges. Each of these shifts presents both opportunities and challenges that demand innovative, inclusive, and collaborative approaches. Political leadership is essential for shaping and sustaining the ambitious open government reforms that respond to these challenges and opportunities. The roundtable intends to serve as a strong signal of leadership, a space to share concrete commitments and an affirmation of a shared vision for a better future. Together, participants can explore how open government can build a lasting legacy that delivers for the people, and identify actionable steps to achieve it.

Moderator

• Paul Maassen, Chief, Global Programs and CEO (ad interim), Open Government Partnership

Participants

• Hon. Amenah F. Pangandaman, Secretary, Department of Budget and Management, Philippines
• Abdulla Anees, Deputy Minister of Homeland Security and Technology, Maldives
• Bat-Erdene Dorjsuren, General Election Commission of Mongolia
• Davit Khudatyan, Minister of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure, Armenia
• Zidna Ibrahim, Minister of State for Finance and Planning, Maldives
• Joanna Virtue, Assistant Secretary, Fraud Prevention and Anti-corruption Branch, Australian Government Attorney-General's Department
• Juan Edgardo M. Angara Secretary, Department of Education, Philippines
• Juanito Victor C. Remulla, Jr.        Secretary, Department of Interior and Local Government, Philippines
• Rexlon T. Gatchalian, Secretary, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Philippines
• Alexander Gesmundo, Chief Justice, Philippines Supreme Court
• Javkhlanbaatar Sereeter, State Secretary of the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources of Mongolia
• Daniel Tindipu, Vice-Minister for National Planning, Papua New Guinea
• Mardani Ali Sera, Chair of the Committee for Inter-Parliamentary Cooperation, People’s Representative Council of the Republic of Indonesia
• Santina Viegas Cardoso, Minister of Finance, Timor-Leste
• Dinita Putri, Director, Luminate Asia
• Selva Ramachandran, Resident Representative, UNDP Philippines
• Marco Gemmer, Head of  Cooperation, EU Delegation in the Philippines
• Cielo Magno, President, Publish What You Pay Philippines, Lead Civil Society Co-Chair of OGP
• Bona Tua Parlinggomon Parhusip, Deputy Director, International NGO Forum on Indonesian Development (INFID)
• Sandino Soliman, Executive Director, Caucus of Development NGO Networks (CODE-NGO)
• Marlon Manuel, Senior Advisor, Grassroots Justice Network, Philippines
• Suzanne Snively, Honorary Dame, Life Member Transparency International New Zealand, Founding member of the NZ OGP Expert Advisory Panel
• Ilham Mohamed, Asia Regional Advisor, Transparency International
• Stephanie Muchai, Programme Director, International Lawyers Project, and OGP Steering Committee Member

Rising to the Challenge: The Road Ahead for Open Government in the Philippines

Thursday, 6th February         14:30 - 16:00, Ballroom I

The Philippines is a founding member of the Open Government Partnership.  It has spearheaded both national and local reforms, having developed 75 open government commitments in its six national OGP action plans, and a further 11 commitments by local government members of OGP Local. Stakeholders are now implementing the country’s first four-year action plan from 2023-2027.

The Philippines has channeled many important reforms through its OGP action plans - from fiscal openness, access to information and open data, extractives governance, procurement, local governance reforms to emerging areas such as elections transparency and labour inclusivity and dispute resolution. OGP has provided a space for exploring innovation and reform over 13 years of Philippine participation in the initiative. Yet, the work is far from done and there are profound challenges that need to be confronted with, in an ever-changing national and global context.  

As the Philippines embarks on its first term on the OGP Steering Committee, reformers both inside and outside the government can take the learning of over a decade in the Partnership to continue tackling these challenges and to deepen open government efforts at home and in the region. The Open Gov Challenge, launched in late 2023, provides the Philippines a unique opportunity to respond to the most pressing challenges of our time.

This high-level roundtable will bring together government and civil society leaders, and partners supporting the open government agenda in the country and in the region to showcase ongoing efforts and concrete ideas for the Philippines to rise to the challenge of providing strong domestic and regional leadership for the Partnership.

Moderator

• Shreya Basu, Chief, Country & Local Programs, Open Government Partnership

Confirmed Speakers

• Annie Enriquez Geron, President, Public Services Labor Independent Confederation - National Public Workers’ Congress (PSLINK - PUBLIK)
• Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga, Secretary, Department of the Environment and Natural Resources, Philippines
• Dave Almirol, Department of Information and Communications Technology
• Bayani H. Agabin, Department of Finance
• Attorney Eirene Aguila, Right to Know Right Now Coalition
• Bernadine Fernz, Head Of Sustainability & Infrastructure, Open Contracting Partnership
• Beverly Besmanos, Mindanao Sub-national Coordinator, Bantay Kita
• Catherine Ruiz, Founder, Kaabag sa Sugbo
• Cesar Chavez, Acting Secretary, Presidential Communications Office
• Danica Marie F. Supnet, Director for Climate Policy, Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities
• Emily Manuel, Regional Manager, Asia Pacific, Open Ownership
• Evelyn Hernandez, Head of Members and Affiliates, CoST- the Infrastructure Transparency Initiative
• George Garcia, Chairperson, Commission on Elections, Philippines
• Lyonel To Tanganco Managing Director for Program Strategy, WeSolve Foundation
• May Gladys Butoy, Country Representative, National Democratic Institute
• Raphael M. Lotilla, Secretary, Department of Energy, Philippines
• Sarah Hayton, Country Manager Asia, Extractives Industry Transparency Initiative
• Tinatin Ninua, Director, Accountability and Learning, OGP Independent Reporting Mechanism
• Ubaida Pacasem, Finance & Budget and Management Minister, Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao
• Vien Suerte Cortez, Team Lead, Institutions and Partnerships, UNDP Philippines
• Zalave Dinas, Board of Directors, Mindanao Organization for Social and Economic Progress, Inc.

A Regional Agenda For Open Government: How Economic Development, Democratic Security, and Open Government Go Together

Friday, 7th February                 9:00 - 10:30, Ballroom I and II

The Asia Pacific region finds itself at the centre stage of many today’s complex global transitions - geopolitical, trade, economic, technological, demographic and environmental. Recent shocks to supply chains, growing trade protectionism, rising government debt levels could threaten strong growth prospects in the region. Mis-and disinformation and weak data governance frameworks exploited by domestic and foreign actors stand to undermine the potential of new technologies in creating value and significantly test democratic resilience and security. The urgency of climate change and its impact on the region, mean that we need to act more quickly than ever. As diverse as the realities and needs of countries in the region are, isolation is not an option in tackling these challenges. Maintaining growth, independence, peace, prosperity and security requires strengthened regional cooperation and improving governance. This panel will focus on the key trends, challenges and opportunities facing the region and explore how open government solutions can be at the heart of the transitions countries are undergoing.

Moderator: Joseph Foti, Principal Advisor, Emerging Issues, Open Government Partnership

Confirmed Speakers

• Erry Riyana Hardjapameka, Chairperson, KAKI alliance, Private Sector Collective Action Coalition Against Corruption, Indonesia
• Secretary Robert Borje, Vice Chairperson and Executive Director, Climate Change Commission Philippines
• Dulamkhorloo Baatar, Founder and Chairperson, Nest Center for Journalism Innovation and Development  
• Sankhitha Gunaratne, Head of Governance and Anti-Corruption, Verité Research
• Dr Moya Collett, Charge d’Affaires, Embassy of Australia in the Philippines

Local Leaders Roundtable: Driving Open Government Action And Ambition In Asia And The Pacific

Friday, 7th February                11:00 - 13:00, Ballroom I 

Local governments are at the frontlines of the world’s most daunting challenges - from tackling economic inequalities to responding to challenges imposed by climate change, migration, housing, and energy crises,  and providing public services with scarce resources. The vital role of local governments in securing the well-being of current and future generations, and in achieving targets on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Paris Agreement, cannot be overstated.

This roundtable hosted by OGP and the UNDP Bangkok Regional Hub will bring together government and civil society leaders from OGP Local member municipalities, cities, provinces, and regions as well as those from non OGP jurisdictions to share how they are using open government to build a lasting legacy that improves the quality of life in their communities, fosters resilience and promotes inclusion. It will focus on emerging innovations to accelerate impact.

Moderator: Jose Marin Maria, Lead OGP Local, Open Government Partnership

Confirmed Speakers

• Varsham Sargsyan, Mayor, Armavir, Armenia
• Vahram Khachatryan, Head of Community, Metsamor, Armenia
• Narek Minasyan, Dep. Head of Finance, Yerevan, Armenia
• Suhadi SP, Assistant Economic and Development, West Sumbawa, Indonesia
• Ismail Rafeeq, Mayor, Fuvahmulah, Maldives
• Ahmed Athif, Mayor of Kulhudhuffushi, Maldives
• Benjamin B. Magalong, Governor, Baguio City, Philippines
• Francis Anthony Garcia, Mayor, Balanga City, Philippines
• Cyrus Vincent M. Calibo, Mayor, Larena, Philippines
• Ma. Josefina G. Belmonte, Mayor, Quezon City, Philippines
• Reynaldo S. Tamayo, Jr., Governor, South Cotabato, Philippines
• Jane Yap,  Mayor,Tagbilaran, Philippines
• Arpine Hakobyan, President, NGO Center - Armenia
• Bernadia Tjandradewi, Secretary General, UCLG Asia
• Azamat Mamytov, Development Policy Institute, Kyrgyz Republic
• Muklis Raya, Program Director, Pattiro Semarang
• Diana Torres, Regional Governance Advisor, UNDP
• Laure Beaufils, British Ambassador to the Philippines
• Stephanie Muchai, Programme Director, International Lawyers Project, and OGP Steering Committee Member
• Aidan Eyakuze, Incoming CEO, Open Government Partnership
• Rolando U. Toledo, Undersecretary for Budget Preparation and Execution Group, Department of Budget and Management, PH-OGP Steering Committee Second Alternate Representative

Closing Plenary

Friday, 7th February                15:30 - 16:30, Ballroom II and III 

Concluding the event, will be a moderated dialogue surfacing insights, highlights, key takeaways from the across the 30 sessions. Participants will celebrate the progress made and look ahead to future opportunities for collaboration in strengthening open government initiatives across the region.

Moderator

• Zukiswa Kota, Public Service Accountability Monitor (PSAM), OGP Steering Committee Member

Confirmed Speakers

• Darlene Marie Berberabe, Dean, University of Philippines, College of Law
• Wilford Wong, Undersecretary of the Department of Budget and Management, Philippines
• Arsa Ilmi Budiartia, Executive Director,  Indonesian Judicial Research Society
• Cielo Magno, OGP Global Civil Society Co Chair

Closing Remarks

• Shreya Basu, Chief, Country & Local Programs, Open Government Partnership
• Rolando U. Toledo, Undersecretary for Budget Preparation and Execution Group, Department of Budget and Management, PH-OGP Steering Committee Second Alternate Representative

Breakout Sessions

​​The breakout sessions listed below will take place on February 6-7 and will run concurrently, except during the opening and closing ceremony. Participants will have the opportunity to choose which sessions to attend based on their interests.

We invite you to browse the agenda and look forward to many diverse and engaging discussions to be had.

Anti-Corruption and Rule of Law

It Takes a Network: Building Stronger Integrity Systems Through Collective Action

Thursday, 6th February         12:00 - 13:30, Grand Salon B

Organizers: National Democratic Institute, INTOSAI Development Initiative

Corruption erodes public trust in democratic institutions in addition to social and economic advancements. Join us to explore how governments, civil society, independent accountability institutions, and other stakeholders can unite to build stronger integrity systems. This session will highlight current initiatives in the region and showcase how partnerships among a variety of actors, including SAIs, civil society, and parliaments can take advantage of windows of opportunity, prioritize strategic actions to strengthen public accountability and reduce corruption.

Moderators

• Muhammad Wahyudi, INTOSAI Development Initiative

Confirmed Speakers

• Atty. Rahabansa Dagalangit, Commission on Audit of Republic of the Philippines
• Mariam Zadoyan, Armenian Lawyers Association
• Malou Mangahas, Right to Know, Right Now! Coalition
• Sankhitha Gunaratne, Verité Research

Interoperability and Data Use

Friday, 7th February                11:00 - 12:30, Garden Pavilion

Organizers: OGP, Infrastructure Transparency Initiative (CoST), Open Ownership, Open Contracting Partnership (OCP)

The evidence is growing: the right data, paired with robust coordination and oversight systems, can make a difference not only in the control of corruption. Interoperability is also essential for different datasets to be useful for different sectors of society—including regulators and governments themselves.

This session will share how data availability, quality, and accessibility affect data use and interoperability. Lightning talks by our set of panelists will share lessons learned about how actors are using different datasets and a variety of approaches for oversight and decision-making in anti-corruption efforts. Participants are then invited to reflect on the realities in their respective contexts, identify different datasets key to the fight against corruption, and explore how to join up data across sectors to maximise anti-corruption impact.

Moderator

• Natalia Carfi, Open Data Charter, OGP Civil Society Steering Committee Member

Confirmed Speakers

• Mariam Galstyan, Corruption Prevention Commission Armenia
• Erdenechimeg Dashdorj, Open Society Forum Mongolia
• Wana Alamsyah, Indonesia Corruption Watch (ICW)
• Boonyarat Kittivorawut, Open Contracting Partnership
• Genmaries S. Entredicho-Caong, The Procurement Service - Department of Budget and Management (PS-DBM)
• Clara Feng, Strategic Advisor, CoST
• Emily Manuel, Open Ownership
• Attorney Daniel Luis Macalino,  Philippines Securities and Exchange

Pathways Towards Transparency Of Money In Politics

Friday, 7 February                13:30 - 15:00, Ballroom 1

Organizers: OGP, Transparency International

The public deserves to know how money influences public decisions. Transparency in campaign and political party financing helps voters understand whether private influence shapes public decisions in legitimate ways.

There is a deficit of transparency in political finance across the region. While some countries have significant gaps in their regulatory frameworks, others are yet to develop systems to support their implementation. Even today, many others do not have any significant political finance regulation in place.

This session will inspire reformers in their journey, whether their starting point is none to little regulation, or some regulation with low implementation. Experts from government and society will share practical guidance to open up political finance information to the public, from small regulatory twists to the development of digital solutions for reporting and disclosure.

Moderator

• Jorge Valladares, Political Integrity Lead, and/or Ilham Mohamed, Regional Advisor Asia and the Pacific, Transparency International

Confirmed Speakers

• Bat-Erdene Dorjsuren, Chief Secretariat, Office of the General Election Commission of Mongolia
• Mardani Ali Sera, Commission II - Domestic Governance & Regional Autonomy, Apparatus & Bureaucratic Reform, Elections, Land & Agrarian Reform, Parliament of Indonesia
• B.P.C. Kularathne, Election Commission Sri Lanka
• Meghan Burland, International Foundation for Electoral Systems
• Carmela Fonbuena, Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism
• Dr. ​​Ella Syafputri Prihatini, Assistant Professor in Political Science and International Relations at Universitas Muhammadiyah Jakarta

The Fiscal Openness Challenge: Ensuring Inclusive And Meaningful Public Participation In Budget Processes

Friday, 7th February                13:30 - 15:00, Grand Salon A

Organizers: Global Initiative for Fiscal Transparency (GIFT), International Budget Partnership (IBP), Philippine Department of Budget and Management (DBM)

How can governments transform budget processes into platforms for inclusive public participation? This session will tackle the Fiscal Openness Open Gov Challenge by exploring innovative practices from the Philippines, Indonesia, and Armenia  that empower citizens to actively shape national and local budget priorities.

Through a combination of expert presentations and interactive discussions, attendees will identify barriers, explore solutions, and contribute to exploring potential fiscal openness commitments to the Open Gov Challenge. The session is designed to engage government officials, civil society representatives, and development practitioners, providing practical tools and strategies to mainstream public participation in budget processes. By the end of the session, participants will have discussed and collaborated on proposed actionable reforms aligned with the Open Government Challenge, advancing fiscal openness and strengthening democratic governance. This session will be a good opportunity to contribute and participate in dialogues aimed at shaping more open and inclusive public financial management systems.

Moderator

• Marianne Fabian, Global Initiative for Fiscal Transparency (GIFT)

Confirmed Speakers

• Hon. Amenah F. Pangandaman, Secretary, Department of Budget and Management
• Rina Prasarani, Indonesian Association of Women with Disabilities (HWDI)
• Azamat Mamytov, Development Policy Institute (DPI)
• Ruzanna Gabrielyan, Ministry of Finance, Armenia
• Yuna Farhan, International Budget Partnership (IBP)

Safeguarding Electoral Integrity: Tackling Abuse Of State Resource Abuse, Vote Buying, And Vote Selling

Friday, 7th February                9:00 - 10:30, Grand Salon B

Organizers: Legal Network for Truthful Elections (LENTE)

The session aims to discuss potential strategies to address the challenges posed by corruption in elections, such as abuse of state resources, vote buying, and vote selling, which can undermine the credibility and legitimacy of electoral outcomes. Experts will discuss various forms of corruption that occur before, during, and after elections and discuss best practices to monitor and combat these issues.

Moderator

• Rona Ann Caritos, Legal Network for Truthful Elections (LENTE)

Confirmed Speakers

• Manjesh Rana, International Election Observation, Asian Network for Free Elections (ANFREL)
• Nino Dolidze, International Society for Fair Elections and Democracy (ISFED)
• Ernesto Maceda, Jr., Commission on Elections (Philippines)
• Jorge Valladers, Transparency International

Open Government Challenge Workshop: How To Design Impactful Reforms With Open Contracting

Friday, 7th February                13:30 - 15:00, Garden Pavilion

Organizers: Open Contracting Partnership

Discover how open procurement can be a game-changer for advancing government priorities such as transparency, climate action, gender equality, and economic inclusion. In this interactive Workshop, you'll delve into inspiring examples from Indonesia, India, Taiwan, and the Philippines, showcasing how Open Contracting has improved procurement outcomes for people and the planet while highlighting how stakeholders collaborate to overcome challenges and drive impactful procurement reforms. Learn how these countries leverage networks, data, and Open Contracting approaches to address obstacles and advance their agendas.

Through thematic breakout sessions, participants will explore practical approaches to tackling corruption, maximizing value for money, and leveraging data for climate-conscious decision-making.

With hands-on exercises, you’ll map your procurement landscape and identify actionable steps to engage stakeholders, use data effectively, and drive impactful reform. Whether you’re starting your procurement reform journey or looking to scale your efforts, this session equips you with the tools, insights, and strategies needed to transform procurement into a powerful driver of sustainable development. By the end, you'll gain actionable insights and tools to engage stakeholders effectively and implement reforms that deliver sustainable outcomes.  

Confirmed Speakers

• Wana Alamsyah, Indonesia Corruption Watch (ICW)
• Riz Supreme Comia, WeSolve Foundation (WSF)
• Boonyarat Kittivorawut, Open Contracting Partnership
• Bernadine Fernz, Open Contracting Partnership
• Gaurav Godhwani, Civic Data Lab
• Genmaries S. Entredicho-Caong, The Procurement Service - Department of Budget and Management (PS-DBM)
• Chia-Kai Liu, DSP, Inc.
• Closing Remarks: Hon. Amenah F. Pangandaman, Secretary, Department of Budget and Management of the Philippines

Civic Space

Strategies To Protect And Expand Civic Space And Empower Civil Society

Thursday, 6th February         16:30 - 18:00, Garden Pavilion

Organizers: Civicus, The International Center for Not-for-Profit Law (ICNL), OGP

An active and empowered civil society is essential to effective open government. Though civic space is facing challenges both across the world and within the Asia and Pacific region, engaging in the OGP process can help to push back against this trend: supporting governments and civil society to work together to create a flourishing environment for civic action. This session will explore positive initiatives underway in the region to safeguard civic space, as well as examples of constructive reforms being advanced through OGP, and strategies for protecting civic space where it is under threat.

Moderator

• Cielo Magno, President, Publish What You Pay Philippines, Lead Civil Society Co-Chair of OGP

Confirmed Speakers

• Eka Gigauri, Transparency International Georgia
• Felix Tonog, Philippine Council for NGO Certification
• Arianne Kassman, Transparency International PNG
• Ziya Guliyev, Law Society of Azerbaijan
• Deniz Devrim, OECD
• Undral Gombodorj, Democracy Education Center (DEMO)
• Lasma Natalia, Indonesian Center for Environmental Law
• Mark Loong, Australian Department of Home Affairs

Deepening Partnerships Between Civil Society And Development Partners, Using The OGP Platform

Friday, 7th February                11:00 - 12:30, Grand Salon A

Organizers: ADB - Asian Development Bank, Partnership for Transparency

As restrictive practices and legislation regulating civic space and civil society funding proliferate, it is important that development partners and civil society work together to ensure that public interest remains at the heart of development and governance.  

​​Many development partners and governments have policies that promote government and civil society engagement during the development and implementation of development policies and programs. For example, most development partners have policies for engaging stakeholders in their country partnership strategies and financing operations. Done right, such engagement can enhance country-led development, transparency, inclusion, participation, and accountability. These outcomes stand at risk when the operating environment for civil society deteriorates. The Open Government Partnership (OGP) requires member governments to use a multi-stakeholder process to create an action plan with concrete steps—commitments—across a broad range of issues. This unique model ensures that civil society organizations or direct citizen engagement have a role in shaping and overseeing governments. OGP  also provides a platform to strengthen and expand the enabling environment for civil society through constructive dialogue.

Collaboration among development partners, civil society, and governments to coordinate the effective implementation of civil society engagement and ensure that the enabling environment for them to do so exists can be mutually beneficial in increasing development effectiveness and public participation.

This session will present good practices and lessons from development partners, OGP, civil society, and governments working together at country level and to surface practical ideas for how such collaboration can be more effective.

Moderator

• Dr. Vinay Bhargava, Partnership for Transparency

Confirmed Speakers

• Rolando U. Toledo, Undersecretary for Budget Preparation and Execution Group, Department of Budget and Management, PH-OGP Steering Committee Second Alternate Representative
• Pavit Ramachandran, Asian Development Bank
• Araw Chavez, Coalition for Bicol Development
• Bolorsaikhan Badamsambuu, Mongolian Youth Council
• Tengis Sukhee, Cabinet Secretariat of Mongolia
• Tsolmon Begzsuren, Asian Development Bank
• Dandan Chen, World Bank

Climate

Pathways To A Credible And Just Energy Transition

Friday, 7th February                 11:00 - 12:30, Apartment 301

Organizers: Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative (EITI), OGP

The energy transition is driving transformative changes in the extractive industries, fundamentally altering how resource-rich countries manage their oil, gas, and mining sectors. In addition, companies and consumers worldwide want to know that their investments make the world a better place. Within this shifting context, transparency and good governance are more important than ever. Citizens, investors, end brands, civil society and public officials need access to information and must be able to hold decision-makers and companies to account. This is directly important to protect human rights, ensure that revenues are fairly distributed, and limit undue influence on policy making and implementation. This session will explore how to achieve a credible, transparent and accountable transition, leveraging three potential processes to improve governance - EITI, OGP, and IRMA.

Moderator

• Sarah Hayton, EITI

Confirmed Speakers

• Aryanto Nugroho, PWYP Indonesia
• Beverly Besmanos, Bantay Kita
• Sereeter Javkhlanbaatar, Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources of Mongolia
• Klaus Oberbauer, Harita Nickel

Making Climate Policies Respond To Public Needs

Thursday, 6th February                16:30 - 18:00, Apartment 301        

Organizers: Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD), World Resources Institute (WRI)

Country commitments under the Paris Agreement are only expected to decrease global greenhouse gas emissions by 2.6% by 2030—which falls far short from the 43% target by 2030 and net zero target by 2050.  The barriers to climate action are no longer knowledge or technology however; they are instead now challenges related to politics and governance. They include ensuring public support for climate action translates to more ambitious actions that generate benefits for those most at risk, eliminating carve-outs and subsidies for high-emitting sectors, and strengthening public oversight of the implementation of short and long-term commitments.

To sustainably address climate change, governments will need to build and channel public support into ambitious and equitable climate actions that are backed with the political will and institutional capacity to implement them.

In the face of an intensifying climate crisis, resilient governments will require new policies and innovations. Open Government Partnership domestic platforms offer governments a readymade process for addressing climate change with the support of their public, as they are rooted in dialogue and underpinned by the values and processes of transparency, public participation, and accountability.

Framed on an environmental democracy lens where the participation of the public is key to more sustainable climate action, this session will highlight emerging innovations and best practices across the region from the vantage points of research, legislation, local governance, and civil society.  Speakers will help draw clear links between climate action and some of the most pressing democratic challenges from anti-corruption, freedom of information, public participation, and access to justice.

Moderator

• Ravio Patra, Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD)

Confirmed Speakers

• Abdul Gaffar Karim, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM)
• Mizna Mohamed, Small Island Geographic Society (SIGS)
• Andrea Valentine Villaroman, Quezon City Local Government Unit, Philippines

Digital Governance

AI, Digital Transformation And Its Governance

Thursday, 6th February         Part 1:         14:30 - 16:00        Part 2: 16:30 - 18:00, Grand Salon B

Organizers: Luminate, Access Now, OGP

Governments across Asia Pacific have been embarking on a digital transformation process for the past decade, now including using AI to make public services & bureaucracies more effective and efficient. However, we are still exploring where and when AI can be best used and applied in public services, especially with many governments across Asia Pacific still in the process of developing comprehensive digital governance. There are gaps and challenges that we need to be aware of in using AI for public services such as the ethical dimensions of ensuring transparency, minimising the amplification of biases, and securing data safety.

This two-part session will explore best practices in applying AI in public services, the risks and mitigation that governments should consider, and the role of non-government sectors in ensuring participatory governance for a just and fair implementation of AI.

Confirmed Speakers Part 1

• Moderation: Shita Laksmi, Diplo Foundation
• Abdulla Anees, National Centre for Information and Technology, Maldives
• Liza Garcia, Foundation for Media Alternatives
• Wahyudi Djafar, ELSAM
• Dini Maghfirra, PhD, Satu Data Indonesia

Confirmed Speakers Part 2

• Moderation: Dinita Putri, Luminate
• Undersecretary Francesca “Sasa” Del Rosario, Department of Budget and Management of the Philippines
• Phet Sayo, EngageMedia
• Joanna Virtue, Australian Government Attorney-General's Department

Flooding The Zone With Facts: How To Promote Information Integrity While Upholding Media Freedom And Human Rights

Friday, 7th February                11:00 - 12:30, Grand Salon B

Organizers: Media Freedom Coalition, Forum on Information and Democracy, OGP

Citizens need relevant, factual information in order to make decisions about their lives - but they live in an environment where there is an excess of information, much of which is unreliable, and where facts themselves can be contested or discredited.

This session will look at how media freedom and quality journalism can put facts in the spotlight, how government openness can support the crucial role of journalism and inform the public, and how efforts to tackle mis- and disinformation can and must protect human rights and freedom of expression, while helping citizens to scrutinise the information they see.

The session will feature practitioners and experts from government, media, civil society and beyond and will involve three discussion zones in which participants can discuss different challenges relating to information integrity and how they can be addressed through open government approaches.

Moderator

• Laura Neumann, Carter Center, OGP Civil Society Steering Committee Member
• Zukiswa Kota, Public Service Accountability Monitor, OGP Civil Society Steering Committee Member

Confirmed Speakers

• Syed Nazakat, DataLeads India
• Evi Mariani, Project Multatuli
• Lilia Afrikyan, Prime Minister's Office of Armenia
• Laxman Datt Pant, Media Action Nepal
• Jaymie        Reyes, Embassy of the Netherlands in the Philippines
• Liana Doydoyan, FOICA - Armenia
• Pia Friedrich, German Embassy Manila
• Mark Loong, Australian Department of Home Affairs
• Gemma Mendoza, Rappler

Open Data For All: Starting, Expanding, Promoting Inclusivity, And Sustaining Open Data Initiatives In The Asia Pacific

Thursday, 6th February         12:00 - 13:30, Grand Salon A

Organizers: Open Data Charter, Gov Data Initiative

Come, learn, and discuss open data initiatives in the region. We will have speakers sharing their experiences and projects working on open data in Thailand, Philippines, Indonesia, and Nepal. But we also want everyone to have a chance to speak, so there will be an open mic for anyone who would like to join the stage. Small group conversations will follow to allow for a deeper dive into the experiences of the participants and speakers.

Moderator

• Natalia Carfi, Open Data Charter, OGP Civil Society Steering Committee Member

Confirmed Speakers

• Nikesh Balami, Open Knowledge Nepal
• Thanisara Ruangdej, WeViz
• Marco Zaplan, Gov Data Initiative
• Nama Budhathoki, Humanitarian OpenStreetMap Team (HOT)
• Faizal Thamrin, Pulse Lab Jakarta

Inclusive Public Participation

How To Mainstream Participation In Decision-Making

Thursday, 6th February         14:30 - 16:00, Garden Pavilion

Organizers: Kota Kita, People Powered, OGP

There are lots of exciting innovations taking place to involve people in decisions that affect their lives, but too few become part of the day-to-day practice of government. This session will explore different ways to mainstream public participation in government – from building skills and capacity among public servants to introducing laws and requirements to govern participation. It will draw on examples from across the region to challenge and inspire participants about the opportunities and challenges of making public participation more commonplace and impactful.

Confirmed Speakers

• Maria Lucien, People Powered
• Redempto Parafina, Civil Society Representative
• Lilia Afrikyan, Prime Minister's Office of Armenia
• Suhadi SP, West Sumbawa, Indonesia

Innovating Citizen’s Participation In Policy Making

Thursday, 6th February        16:30 - 18:00, Ballroom I

Organizers: CODE NGO

The session will explore current practices and challenges of policy making in different countries and how each practice strives to include all sectors of society to be part of the process. The session shall also explore civic technology in relation to policy making at the grassroots level.

Confirmed Speakers

• Annie Geron, Public Services Labor Independent Confederation (PSLINK)
• Dorjhand Ganbaatar, Women for Change
• Rinto Leonardo Siahaan, International NGO Forum on Indonesian Development (INFID)
• Qyira Yusri, UNDI18
• Roel Ian Blanker, Mahintana Foundation
• Tristan Joseph Alcantara, Office of the City Administrator, Quezon City

The Power Of Participation: Advancing The Women, Peace, And Security Agenda Through Open Governance

Friday, 7th February                9:00 - 10:30, Grand Salon A

Organizers: Department of Budget and Management, Philippines, UN Women

Across the globe, women's participatory role in decision-making processes, conflict resolution, and governance has been proven essential in creating more inclusive and sustainable peace outcomes. Open governance, in the same vein, ensures that all stakeholders, especially women, have access to information, can participate in decision-making processes, and hold governments accountable for their commitments to peace and security.​

In the Philippines, the open governance framework presents a powerful mechanism to foster full participation of women in peace and security efforts: providing a platform for women to meaningfully contribute to processes and ensuring that their voices are heard and that policies are gender responsive.​

As such, in the advancement of the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) agenda, it is necessary to highlight the enabling role of open governance. The integration of WPS action plans within the principles of open governance also offers a transformative approach to achieving lasting peace, where women's roles are not only recognized but actively supported.​

This session will explore how open governance and the pursuit of peace and security through gender-responsive approaches can be mutually reinforcing goals. It also aims to come up with future actions on how to further open government processes that directly support efforts in addressing this issue of high importance and urgency in the Asia and the Pacific Region.  

Moderator:

• Daphne Osena Paez​, Presidential Communications Office

Confirmed Speakers:

• Opening Remarks: Hon. Amenah F. Pangandaman, Secretary, Department of Budget and Management
• Hon. Carlito Galvez Jr., Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU)
• Atty. Sha Elijah Dumama - Alba, Ministry of Interior and Local Government/ Bangsamoro Parliament​
• Dr. ​​Ella Syafputri Prihatini, Universitas Muhammadiyah Jakarta
• Dr. Jaimee Stuart​, United Nations University Institute
• Habib Ur Rehman Mayar​ - Deputy General Secretary​, G7+ Secretariat​

You(th) And Us: An Intergenerational Dialogue On Climate Change

Thursday, 6th February        14:30 - 16:00, Apartment 301

Organizers: Accountability Lab, UNICEF, ADB - Asian Development Bank

Youth and children make up a significant proportion of Asia’s population- a region that is deeply vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. However, they have historically had difficulty ensuring that their voices and ideas are included in policymaking processes around issues that will affect their future. With massive demographic shifts around the world, enhanced connectivity, and rapidly evolving ideas and networks, youth and children are now more able, powerful, and willing to drive open governance than ever before.

Engaging young people in the Open Government Partnership processes not only aligns with the principles of inclusivity but also sets the foundation for a more accountable, democratic and sustainable future. This interactive session will generate an inter-generational dialogue among young people and more experienced leaders around climate issues- and how we can find new ways to secure young people’s participation in building climate resiliency through open governance.

Moderator

• Maya Faisal, UNICEF Philippines

Confirmed Speakers

• Joshua Villalobos, Negrosanon Initiative for Climate and the Environment
• Meri Harutyunyan, Yerevan Municipality
• Vinzealhar Nen, 350 PNG

Justice Reimagined: Legal Enforcers As Champions Of Open And Inclusive Governance

Friday, 7th February                13:30 - 15:00, Grand Salon B

Organizers: Indonesia Judicial Research Society (IJRS), The Asia Foundation, UNDP

This session will delve into the role of legal enforcers—law enforcement agencies, judges, and legal professionals—in promoting inclusive public participation, especially for marginalized communities, in the policy-making process. By fostering collaboration between justice institutions and civil society organizations (CSOs), we aim to highlight strategies for enhancing public engagement in legal reforms and building more transparent, equitable, and responsive justice systems.

Participants will engage in discussions centred on the following key topics:

1. Legal Enforcers as Advocates for Inclusion – showcasing the best practices: Examining the proactive role of legal enforcers in engaging the public and CSOs during policy design and implementation to amplify the voices of marginalized communities, including lessons learned from some countries.
2. Challenges in Ensuring Public Participation: Exploring the challenges legal enforcers face in facilitating meaningful public participation in policy-making, including identifying barriers to inclusivity and representation. This discussion will also delve into defining when public participation can be deemed sufficient by establishing clear indicators for its effectiveness, inclusiveness, and alignment with Open Government principles.
3. Collaboration in Policy Making: Comparing the outcomes of policies developed solely by legal enforcers versus those created in partnership with CSOs, highlighting the added value and positive impacts of collaboration on policy development and implementation. Including strategy in ensuring effective and impactful collaboration.

Moderator

• Adna Karamehic-Oates, Lead, Policy & Partnerships, Open Government Partnership

Confirmed Speakers

• Nani Indrawati, Supreme Court Justice of Indonesia
• Sunjidmaa Batsuren, National Legal Institute of Mongolia
• Arsa Ilmi Budiarti, Indonesia Judicial Research Society (IJRS)
• Sheila Grace Formento, Alternative Law Groups (ALG)

Mainstreaming and Localization of Open Government

National-Local Collaboration On Open Government

Thursday, 6th February         16:30 - 18:00, Grand Salon A

Organizers: Philippines Department of Interior and Local Government, OGP

This session will focus on advancing national-local collaboration on open government, with a focus on coalition building. As the OGP Local network grows, so do the visible practices of creating connections and coalitions between local and national leaders in a range of countries. We know that a growing number of member countries are incorporating specific commitments for promoting open government at the local level, fostering national-local collaboration or are using their national OGP processes to support the development of local open government plans,  OGP-like processes, or specific open government reforms. The development of coalitions for open government to support such actions are happening both through groundswells of local action as well as through national leadership by government or civil society.  This session will showcase a few different country experiences to explore how coalitions are growing in these countries to support national-local action, what enabled them to emerge, and their influence on open government culture, practice and policy, and the current opportunities and challenges they face.

Moderators

• Mercedes Nasiff,  Open Government Partnership
• Maby Castro, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Philippines

Confirmed Speakers

• Maharani Wibowo, Open Gov Indonesia Sekretariat
• Yenti Nurhidayat, PUSKAHA (Center for the Studies of Law & Budget)
• Ani Tovmasyan, Armavir Development Center
• Undersecretary Marlo Iringan, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Philippines
• Mel Senen Sarmiento, Galing Pook Foundation
• Mayor Varsham Sargsyan, City of Armavir, Armenia
• Mayor Agatha Paula A. Cruz, Municipality of Guiguinto, Bulacan, Philippines
• Najamuddin, Department of Communication, Informatics and Statistics of West Nusa Tenggara Province, Indonesia
• Davit Khudatyan, Minister for Territorial Administration and Infrastructure, Armenia

From Ad Hoc Initiatives To Integrated Strategies: Mainstreaming Open Government  

Thursday, 6th February         14:30 - 16:00, Grand Salon A

Organizers: OECD, OGP

This session will focus on ways in which OGP members are promoting holistic and integrated approaches to open government / open state, through and beyond OGP action plans, and discuss how they’re approaching efforts to move beyond scattered practices and towards a shared whole-of-state vision of openness. This session will include a fireside-chat, a plenary Q&A, followed by small group discussions with each of the speakers for participants to dive deeper into the examples shared, and explore opportunities and challenges for adopting similar initiatives in their contexts.

Moderator:

• Peter Varga, Open Government Partnership

Confirmed Speakers

• Andry Indrady, Director General of Legal Policy Strategy, Indonesian Ministry of Law
• Natta Bhachaiyud, Thailand's Office of the Public Sector Development Commission (OPDC)
• Joanna Virtue, Australian Government Attorney-General's Department
• Nane Minasyan, Boon Foundation
• Lkhagva Erdene, State Great Khural (Parliament) of Mongolia
• David Goessmann, OECD

Unconference

Friday, 7th February                13:30 - 15:00, Apartment 301

Organizers: OGP Civil Society Steering Committee

The Unconference is your opportunity to share ideas in a dynamic, collaborative setting. Hosted by representatives of the OGP Civil Society Steering Committee, you are invited to propose and lead discussions on topics you are passionate about or have explored during the Regional Meeting.

In this open space, you can be a speaker or participant. Simply write your topic on a post-it, and our moderators will help coordinate sessions that blend diverse ideas and speakers. This is your chance to showcase projects, connect with like-minded individuals, and delve deeper into insights gained throughout the event.

Come prepared to share, learn, and collaborate. The Unconference is an energizing way to close the Regional Meeting with fresh perspectives, new connections, and actionable ideas. Let your voice be heard!

Moderators

• Natalia Carfi, Open Data Charter, OGP Civil Society Steering Committee Member
• Cielo Magno, President, Publish What You Pay Philippines, Lead Civil Society Co-Chair of OGP
• Nikesh Balami, Open Knowledge Nepal

Navigating Change Together - A Community Dialogue

Thursday, 6th February         12:00 - 13:30, Garden Pavilion

Organizers: Open Government Partnership

The Asia and Pacific region—the most populous and dynamic in the world—stands at the crossroads of major global transitions. Economic uncertainty, climate challenges, and the erosion of public trust through mis- and disinformation are testing the resilience of institutions.

This Community Dialogue is a dedicated space for open and meaningful peer-to-peer discussions on the evolving political and governance landscapes across the region. Hosted by the Open Government Partnership, it brings participants together at the start of the Regional Meeting to connect around shared challenges and exchange strategies for advancing open government in complex environments.

This is not a panel or a lecture—there are no passive listeners here. This is a participant-driven discussion, sharing experiences, successful approaches, and lessons learned and identifying opportunities for collaboration on issues they most care about.

Join this session to set the stage for deeper collaboration throughout the event.

Moderator: Denisse Miranda, Chief, Finance and Operations Officer

Office Hours: Open Gov Challenge

Thursday, 6th February         13:30 - 14:30, Bridal Room

Friday, 7th February                12:30 - 13:30, Bridal Room

Come talk to OGP SU to find out more about Open Gov Challenge, a new way for members to make ambitious reform commitments. This casual lunch session is for you, whether you're looking for just a primer on what the Open Gov Challenge is, how to participate, or if you already have an idea of a potential reform you'd like to discuss.

Side Events

Between Monday February 3 and Wednesday February 5, 2025 various side events will take place. A detailed agenda can be viewed here.

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Contact: For any questions, feel free to reach out to the Philippine OGP Project Management Office at phogp@dbm.gov.ph, or the OGP Support Unit at asiapac@opengovpartnership.org.