Zviahel, Orzhytsia and Kyiv local councils have approved their action plans for the implementation of the Open Government Partnership – Local (OGP Local) initiative for 2025–2026. The approval of the action plans was facilitated by the Association of Ukrainian Cities.

As a result, Zviahel, Orzhytsia and Kyiv have joined a global network that promotes the principles of open government. The ideas behind the approved action plans include improving policies for veterans and youth, as well as encouraging active participation of citizens in local governance processes.

The action plans for the Zviahel and Orzhytsia territorial communities cover the following important areas:

• support for youth development;
• improvement of veteran policy;
• implementation of the School Public Budget;
• creation of a Coordination Council to implement the action plan.

Mykola Borovets, Mayor of Zviahel, commented:

‘We have an interesting task to develop common policies in communities of different population sizes, in completely different regions, but with the same views and vision for the future. We focus on building youth’s and veterans’ capacity for a sustainable future.’

Olena Sydorenko, Mayor of Orzhytsia, emphasised:

‘For us, the Open Government initiative is primarily aimed to unite the efforts of local authorities and civil society in making a difference in the lives of local residents. The Action plan is aimed to strengthen the participation of the public, in particular young people and the veteran community, in decision-making.’

Kyiv will focus on the following key areas:

• expansion of the #VcentriHub network – the project aimed to improve communication with the public;
• new format of public consultations;
• creation of an innovative digital space to provide electronic services;
• development of the information database of cultural heritage monuments in Kyiv;
• promotion of youth involvement in city policies through interactive civic training courses.

Six Ukrainian communities have already joined the Open Government at the Local Level initiative: Vinnytsia, Ternopil, Khmelnytskyi, Kyiv, Zviahel and Orzhytsia. Participation in this international initiative contributes to the development of democratic processes in Ukraine and strengthens the partnership between the national government, local authorities, civil society and business.

The first action plans will be presented at the Platform for National – Local Dialogue on Open Government on 19 February 2025 at an event called ‘Strengthening National Impact of Local Innovation and Community Building’.