Open Government Partnership network coordination

The project was organised in four stages:

Stage 1: 1 March 2012 – 1 May 2012
During the first stage of the project, a website introducing the Open Government Partnership was launched. The website introduces not only the initiative, but additionally activities undertaken by the Estonian Government and NGOs to implement open government principles. The website is available at www.avatudvalitsemine.ee (in Estonian).

Stage 2: 1 July 2012 – 31 December 2012
As Estonia officially joined the Open Government Partnership on 1 April 2012, the network gained the task of monitoring the implementation of the Open Government Partnership Action Plan by the Estonian Government. Round tables were organised to discuss the status of open data and e-services in Estonia. In addition, a position paper was drafted regarding public participation in policy-making.

The network cooperated with a number of ministries and with the State Chancellery, becoming a valuable partner for the Government in the implementation of the Action Plan. At the same time, the nework is also putting pressure on the Government to make sure that open government principles are recognised and implemented. The work done by the network coordinator – Liia Hänni – was acknowledged, among her other contributions to the civil society, as she received an Active Citizen award on Citizen’s Day in 2012.

Stage 3: 1 January 2013 – 31 December 2013
The third stage of the project encompassed monitoring the national and international processes regarding Open Government Partnership, analysing information, forwarding information to network members and organising seminars. The network holds quarterly meetings and contributes to the blog at www.avatudvalitsemine.ee. As a continuing task, the network clarifies how the Open Government Partnership process is practically implemented in Estonia. In addition, the partnership participates in the public debate on the mechanisms of democracy initiated by the President of Estonia.

Stage 4: 01 January 2014 – 01 July 2014
The fourth stage aimed to keep the network updated with international progress in the field as well as to participate in the national processes. As 2014 marks the updating of the Estonian Open Government Partnership Action Plan, civil society will have an opportunity to present their proposals on actions needed for the implementation of open government principles. The partnership will meet to discuss, focus and forward their positions.