19 November 2014: Representatives of governments and civil society organizations gathered at the Open Government Partnership (OGP) Regional Meeting for the Americas called on the UN General Assembly (UNGA) to include targets related to accountability, access to justice and transparency in Goal 16 of the post-2015 development agenda, underscoring the role of such targets in promoting national implementation of commitments.

The Open Working Group (OWG) on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted a proposal of 17 goals, of which Goal 16 aims to “promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, inclusive and accountable institutions at all levels.”

Participants in the OGP Americas meeting supported the inclusion of targets on accountability, access to justice and transparency, noting that such targets can help to ensure that citizens have access to timely, robust and useful information necessary to monitor progress on the post-2015 development agenda. Participants emphasized that such targets will, inter alia: promote the rule of law at international and national levels; ensure equal access to justice for all; reduce corruption and bribery; develop, accountable, effective and transparent institutions; and ensure inclusive, responsive and representative decision-making at all levels.

Representatives also declared their commitment to promoting Goal 16 throughout negotiations on the post-2015 development agenda, and requested OGP countries in other regions to also support this aim.

The OGP Regional Meeting for the Americas took place in San Jose, Costa Rica, from 17-19 November 2014.

OGP was launched in 2011 to provide an international platform for making governments more open, accountable and responsive to citizens. [OGP Press Release] [Event Website]