In 2016, OGP is taking one of its foundational values - Transparency – and asking applicants to show its real promise for both governments and citizens. Governments and government-controlled entities collect, commission and produce vast quantities of data and information as part of their day-to-day activities. When these are made readily available and accessible, citizens can creatively use, analyze, visualize and share them for public benefit. This can potentially lead to a wide range of impacts such as improved civic participation in public life, more efficient functioning of government and the creation of new services with social and commercial value. So what does transparency’s real promise look like for you? Did you use the right to information law in your country to hold your government accountable? Have you used government held data to develop an app that citizens widely use to better access public services? Did you help organize data in a way that makes government functioning more effective and save money?

If you’ve answered yes to any of the above, you could inspire us with your story! Here are a few things to keep in mind before making a submission:

First, submissions should be initiatives that were made possible as a result of the OGP process and/or commitments made in OGP National Action Plans. Alternatively, you can submit an initiative on this theme, as long as the theme is likely to be addressed in your country’s upcoming OGP National Action Plan. However, you would have to submit evidence from the government to this effect.

Second, submissions should be initiatives that were designed, implemented, and/or scaled up in partnership with government. Alternatively, initiatives that are not in direct partnership with government but are directly catalyzed by government action will also be considered.

Third, submissions should be able to demonstrate that as a result of proactive or reactive transparency in government data/information, one or more of the following examples of impacts were achieved. The submitted initiatives could demonstrate impact across a range of sectors or thematic areas.

• Citizens were able to make more informed choices and decisions about their day-to-day life
• Citizens were able to participate more actively and directly in public policy matters
• Citizens were able to benefit from improved performance and/or better services from policymakers and service providers
• Citizens were able to exercise greater oversight of the activities of policymakers and/or service providers and hold them accountable