On 25th of September, 2015 on its 70th anniversary, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development titled as the “Transforming Our World: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development”. The above mentioned document is composed of 17 goals (SDGs) and 169 associated targets. These goals are integrated, indivisible and balance the three dimensions of sustainable development: the economic, social and environmental. The Agenda aims to touch all areas of critical importance for humanity and the planet: Prosperity, Peace and Partnership.

The goals introduced in the document, and the associated targets elaborated for the further implementation of the goals, are in full accordance with the aims of OGP. Moreover, OGP might grow as an effective tool for the implementation of the UN sustainable development goals. Most notably the 16th SDG of the UN document that is comprised with the following activities: supporting development of effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels, ensure public access to information, promote the rule of law etc., is in full accordance with the principles of OGP.

On 27th of September, two days after UNGA adopted the SDGs, OGP steering committee 11 members adopted the declaration titled “Open Government for the Implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development” (hereafter “the Joint Declaration”). The Joint Declaration welcomes the Agenda and recognition of the importance of transparency and open government as crucial tools for effective implementation of the SDGs. Moreover, it says that “The experience of its participating governments and civil society organizations can be drawn on to encourage transparent, accountable, participatory, and technology-enabled implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.” According to the declaration, OGP plans to stress on five key areas: promotion of rule of law consistent with the international standards at the national, regional and international level through transparency, openness, accountability, access to justice and effective and inclusive institutions, promotion of public access to information, support citizen engagement in 2030 Agenda implementation process, uphold open government principles when measuring the 2030 Agenda implementation progress and use OGP Actions Plans that serve 2030 SDGs. These goals are consistent with the SDGs of the 2030 Agenda.

At the same time, OGP steering committee calls on the state and civil organizations to endorse the above mentioned Joint Declaration elaborated by the OGP steering committee.

Institute for Development of Freedom of Information (IDFI) as the OGP, and Declaration on Parliamentary Openness, supporter local non-governmental organization in Georgia, endorsed the Joint Declaration on October 8. Furthermore, IDFI calls on all partners to uphold the principles of the Joint Declaration and with consolidated efforts participate in the implementation process of Sustainable Development Goals of UN.

The Joint Declaration is expected to be adopted by all OGP countries on October 28 at the OGP Global Summit in Mexico City.