“Open government has become an essential condition for participatory, inclusive and open decision-making at all levels and a valuable instrument for the promotion of human rights at local level,” stated Rafael Benitez, Director of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe, at the opening of the regional round table on “Open government and renewal: local governments take action”. The online event was organised jointly by the Congress and the Open Government Partnership (OGP) on 18 February 2022.

Some 120 representatives of national and local decision makers and civil society from Armenia, Georgia, the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine gathered to discuss the contribution of local authorities in all steps of national open government policy making. They shared experiences, challenges and lessons learnt, and discussed strategies and solutions for improved dialogue and sustainable partnership between central and local authorities. “Co-creation and inclusive decision-making provide a sense of belonging in local communities”, underlined the Congress Director.

Participants highlighted the key role national associations of local and regional authorities in supporting peer-exchanges and capacity development, and their importance for enhancing the local government system and allowing for better responses to the needs of citizens.

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