Canada hosts OGP Global Summit 2019

Backgrounder

Why come to the summit?

The Summit provides opportunities to learn from governments, civil society organizations and thought leaders from around the world about their plans, perspectives and actions on the future of democracy. Participation in the summit is free and open to all.

When is it and where is it taking place?

The Summit is taking place in downtown Ottawa from May 29 to 31. It follows the meeting of the International Grand Committee on Disinformation and Fake News, which will be in Ottawa on May 28. There are also several side events planned throughout the week of May 27, including an Indigenous gathering, a youth workshop and a workshop on artificial intelligence.

Who will be there?

The summit will include international representation from government (over 50 ministers) and civil society, and sessions will explore issues ranging from fake news, threats to democracy, digital rights and governance, to gender equality and reconciliation with Indigenous peoples.

Keynote speakers include Mary Robinson, former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and former President of Ireland, Nathaniel Heller, Executive Vice President at Results for Development, Sanjay Pradhan, CEO of the Open Government Partnership, Halla Tómasdóttir, CEO of the B Team, Delia Ferreira, Chair of Transparency International, and Mark Barrenechea, CEO of OpenText.  

Several ministers from Canada are also attending, including:

  • The Honourable Joyce Murray, President of the Treasury Board and Minister of Digital Government
  • The Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Minister of Foreign Affairs
  • The Honourable Karina Gould, Minister of Democratic Institutions
  • The Honourable Maryam Monsef, Minister of International Development and Minister for Women and Gender Equality

What is Canada doing on open government?

As co-chair of the Open Government Partnership, Canada is playing a leadership role in fostering responsible government. The summit will provide us with an opportunity to strengthen our expertise and build connections with other governments and civil society members, so that we continue to take action on issues that matter most, in a transparent and responsive manner.

What is the Open Government Partnership?

Open Government Partnership brings together government reformers and civil society leaders to create action plans that make governments more inclusive, responsive and accountable. In the spirit of multi-stakeholder collaboration, OGP is overseen by a Steering Committee that includes representatives of governments and civil society organizations.

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