SA supports OGP’s commitment to peace

South African deputy president Cyril Ramaphosa has reaffirmed the country’s support of the Open Government Partnership’s commitment to the promotion of peace‚ social inclusion‚ and justice.

Speaking at the Open Government Partnership Global Summit in Mexico City‚ Rampahosa said: “It is upon us to guarantee that the world we inhabit in the next fifteen years and beyond is defined by peace and the emancipation of women.”

But he added: “Certainly‚ the lessons of the Arab Spring and the current shocking human tragedy unfolding in the Middle East‚ must remind us that there is still much more to be done in addressing war‚ intolerance‚ poverty‚ hunger and deprivation.”

South Africa assumes the role of Lead Chair of the OGP at the summit from Mexico.

“During our tenure we will ensure that the OGP and its principles of Open Government remains a cornerstone of global efforts towards a sustainable future for humanity. It is important that the OGP consistently lead by example. It must be the embodiment of the values and principles we wish others to emulate‚” Ramaphosa said.

“There are many lessons that we will be sharing from our own continent on how we think we can strengthen our internal mechanisms to ensure greater transparency and inclusive participation‚” he added.

The international platform was launched in 2011 to lead efforts aimed at making governments more open‚ accountable‚ and responsive to citizens.

RDM News Wire.