The two-day conference focused on providing an update on the implementation of the seven national commitments in PNG’s first OGP national action plan, including freedom of information, public participation, fiscal transparency and extractive resources transparency.

The conference also provided an opportunity for interested organisations and civic groups to engage by recommending what they believe should be the key action planning priorities.

Transparency International PNG (TIPNG) chairman, Peter Aitsi said the OGP initiative was essential to build good governance and to reinstate public trust in PNG’s democratic processes.

“The ambition of OGP encompasses TIPNG’s anti-corruption focus and goes beyond that to the heart of representative and participatory democracy in PNG,” Mr Aitsi said.

“TIPNG has continued to support the OGP process in a voluntary capacity because it directly contributes to our national goals and directive principles, as enshrined in the PNG Constitution.

“Furthermore, implementing the Open Government Partnership strengthens our systems of governance for the common good of all Papua New Guineans.

“We need people of goodwill to speak up and suggest ways to commit to improve PNG’s governance through the election year and beyond,” he said.