Malawi Kicks Off Open Governance Week, Promotes Transparency
President Lazarus Chakwera emphasized that effective governance relies on systems that empower citizens to hold government officials accountable, rather than solely on having good leaders.
LILONGWE, Malawi— Malawi has officially launched its annual Open Government Partnership (OGP) Week, an event running through May 31 aimed at promoting transparency, accountability and citizen engagement in governance, writes Esther Banda.
President Lazarus Chakwera inaugurated the week, stating "Good governance is not achieved by having good presidents but by credible systems that allow good citizens to hold all public offices in all branches and agencies of government accountable."
Minister of Mining Monica Chang'anamuno, the guest of honor at Sunday's launch, said Chakwera's statement reaffirmed his commitment to OGP principles as tools for fostering openness, transparency, accountability and effective public participation.
"It's not just the responsibility of the Government to implement the policies but everyone else in the country so that together we can be able to create Malawi that we want and also to create trust between Civil Societies and Government," Chang'anamuno said.
She explained the OGP Week presents an opportunity for reformers from government and civil society globally to strengthen communities through more open, participatory, inclusive and accountable governance amid numerous global crises.
Dr. Janet L. Banda, Deputy Secretary to the President and Cabinet, chairs Malawi's OGP National Steering Committee. She said the future is digital, requiring government to lead in ensuring efficient, transparent and accountable digital service delivery while fostering innovation through technology.
"Malawi needs to take her place, not just as a follower in the digital age but as a key player where innovation and creativity are fostered through technology," Banda stated.
The annual OGP Week promotes the partnership's core values of transparency, accountability, citizen participation, technology and innovation across member nations.