The OGP is a global initiative launched last year by the US and Brazil. Its aim is to improve the transparency of government work, strengthen citizens' role in decision-making, and step up the fight against corruption.
This is a unique conference which has brought together representatives of governments, civil society and the business sector on an equal footing. There is an increasing awareness and need in citizens for a more transparent, more responsible government, for higher participation of citizens in decision-making, Foley said at Bogdan Ogrizovic Library in downtown Zagreb.
The US is glad that Croatia has embraced the principle of open government and undertaken the obligation to carry it out in an action plan recently adopted by the Croatian parliament, he added.
Foley stressed that transparency in government work and information were the enemies of corruption.
Secrecy breeds corruption, he said.
Four areas have been highlighted in Croatia's action plan - fiscal transparency, citizens' access to information in the possession of the public authorities, inclusion of citizens in decision-making on the local level, and adoption of new communication technologies so that the government can be more efficient and open.
The OGP has about 50 member countries. The conference in Brazil will focus on progress achieved so far and new member countries will be welcomed.