At the third thematic meeting of the Platform for National - Local Dialogue in Ukraine, held online on 9 December 2022 on the occasion of the International Day against Corruption, Congress Director Rafael Benitez praised the commitment of Ukrainian local authorities as a "bastion for defending democratic values” and welcomed the outcome of the call for good practices on open government launched by the Association of Ukrainian Cities (AUC) with the Congress’ support which resulted in 120 applications from Ukrainian local authorities. "In a context of extraordinary crisis, it is inspiring to see local authorities always systematically putting transparency, accountability and citizen participation at the centre of their daily governance," he added, reiterating Congress' support for Ukraine.
Oleksandr Yarema, State Secretary of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine, highlighted that “the involvement of civil society and the joint work between central and local authorities is key to defending Ukraine”. He stressed the importance of co-operation and partnership with the AUC to enhance open government principles and address current and forthcoming challenges for a successful recovery of Ukraine.
The meeting gathered local authorities, members of the AUC, representatives of the Government and the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine with a view to further enhancing open government as well as fostering multi-level governance synergies amidst the emergency situation and war context. Collaborative mechanisms of citizen engagement and in particular youth and vulnerable groups in the co-creation of the new Action Plan for the Implementation of the Open Government Partnership Initiative 2023 – 2024 were also put forward.
Participants were also introduced with the topic of deliberative democracy as an approach to renew citizen participation, which contributes to increasing accountability and transparency. Such an approach will be further promoted amongst local and regional authorities in Ukraine, who have confirmed their readiness to innovate and create strong local alliances.
The third meeting of the Platform for National-Local Dialogue on open government was organised as part of the project “Strengthening local democratic governance in Ukraine” implemented by the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities within the Priority Adjustments of the Council of Europe Action Plan for Ukraine 2018‑2022. The project aims to contribute to strengthening institutional consultation and dialogue between local and national authorities, and to build inclusive and accountable local authorities that respond to citizens needs and expectations, thus increase their trust in public institutions.
