Gov’t keen to work with civil society — Fakhoury

AMMAN — Jordan is preparing its 3rd voluntary plan as part of the Kingdom’s participation in the Open Government Partnership (OGP) initiative, the Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation said on Monday. 

To discuss the draft plan, Minister of Planning and International Cooperation Imad Fakhoury on Monday chaired a consultative meeting attended by representatives of civil society institutions specialised in transparency, governance, democracy and human rights.

Jordan joined the OGP when it was launched in 2011, Fakhoury said, noting that the Kingdom’s participation was an international achievement and proved the credibility of the reform process.

The OGP, which now has 69 member states, was launched on the sidelines of the 2011 UN General Assembly to improve the performance of governments, enhance the principles of governance, re-identify relations between citizens and governments, and promote participatory decision making.  

Jordan was able to join the initiative as it met the OGP’s standards, such as an appropriate legislative environment including the right for citizens to access information, said Fakhoury. 

The Kingdom’s acceptance by the initiative showed international recognition of Jordan as a model of reform in the region, the minister added. 

He stressed that the government is keen to promote relations with civil society and the private sector to prepare national plans and strategies, noting that the completion of several vital documents like Jordan 2025, the National Integrity Charter and the Governorate Development Programme.

The task force formed by the government has previously met with civil society representatives from various institutions, and Fakhoury said their recommendations will be referred to the Cabinet for further discussion.

Jordan is scheduled to participate in the international summit on the OGP in Paris  in December, where representatives of governments and institutions will share expertise and experience.