Georgia officially takes Open Government Partnership chairmanship

Georgia has assumed the chairmanship of the Open Government Partnership (OGP) Steering Committee last night, which means that for the first time Georgia has become the chair of the OGP for a one year term taking the role from France.

French President Emmanuel Macron (L) and Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili shake hands at OGP event in NY. Photo by PM's press office

Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili has officially received the country’s OGP chairmanship form the President of France Emmanuel Macron at the high-level event "Rebuilding Trust in Government” within the 72nd session of the United Nations (UN) General Assembly in New York.

#Georgia is honored to succeed #France as Chair of the Open Government Partnership #OGP#UNGA@EmmanuelMacronpic.twitter.com/HUo7NjKUUl

— Giorgi Kvirikashvili (@KvirikashviliGi) September 19, 2017

In the modern times, when innovation and technology have become leading pathways to success in the global economy, the definition of open governance has expanded. While advocating for enlarging the scenario we aim to dedicate our co-chair term to strengthen the basics of open government – to ensure people’s opportunity to influence government decisions that affect their daily lives.”, PM Kvirikashvili addressed the guests.

Georgia has become the chair of the OGP for a one year term taking the role from France. Photo by PM's press office

As #OGP Chair, #Georgia will work 2 ensure that people have opportunity 2 influence government decisions that affect their daily lives #UNGA

— Giorgi Kvirikashvili (@KvirikashviliGi) September 20, 2017

During its OGP chairmenship Georgia’s strategic goals will be:

• Strengthen co-creation and citizen engagement;
• Advancing transparency and the fight against corruption;
• Generating innovation in public service delivery;
• Building a better partnership.

72nd session of the United Nations General Assembly has officially kicked off today. Photo by PM's press office

Kvirikashvili said the theme of today’s gathering is "Rebuilding Trust in Governance” is an issue that must be addressed by a thoughtful, long-term strategy.

Throughout our OGP journey we have partnered with many of you. We have followed good practices or shared our success stories with different stakeholders. I am thrilled to witness the results of the OGP countries, illustrating across the globe openness of people to control their governments and willingness of people to control their governments. And yet, we have many lessons to learn – not only from each other or from civil society organizations, but from entrepreneurs, journalists, startups, etc., who have knowledge of details that matter the most to achieve excellence in good governance”, Kvirikashvili said.

The Georgian delegation headed by PM Kvirikashvili takes part in the 72nd United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) session in New York, United States (US) where Kvirikashvili will address the assembly members on September 21.