Open data, digital tools that enable transparent and accountable public procurement focus of OSCE event during International Anti-Corruption week
Increasing transparency in the use and management of public funds, with a special focus on public procurement, was the focus of an online seminar held on 8 December by the Office of the Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities.
Representatives from governments, OSCE institutions, the private sector and civil society organizations from across the OSCE area participated in the event. Speakers shared examples of emerging technologies that have successfully countered corrupt practices and improved good governance, helping to ensure a positive business climate. Discussions included best practices in introducing and expanding open data initiatives and opportunities for translating them into strong legal and policy foundations to advance the good governance agenda.
Ambassador Igli Hasani, Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities, underscored the importance of an approach that includes all of society to make the public sector more efficient. “The public sector provides strategies on how to tackle consequences of the COVID-19 crisis and proper recovery. Businesses’ ability to get back on track and ensure few disruptions, especially to supply chains, are critical for economic recovery. Civil society organizations are there to closely monitor and provide advice, ensuring these processes are transparent and accountable to citizens,” said Hasani.
Anita Ramasastry, Special Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office on Combating Corruption, and Courtney Austrian, Deputy Chief of Mission, United States Mission to the OSCE, also echoed this message.
Ambassador Adam Hałaciński, Permanent Representative of the Permanent Mission of Poland to the OSCE in Vienna provided an overview of the priorities of the Incoming Polish Chairpersonship and stated during the opening session that: “ Poland will not only prove to be an engaged and dedicated partner in regards to the promotion of anti-corruption and good governance, but also as a credible example of how to successfully implement commitments and solutions when it comes to e-government, open-data or data re-use mechanisms”.
Irene Charalambides, the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly’s Special Representative on Fighting Corruption, said: “I am pleased to note that many governments have been launching timely e-government initiatives to enhance the efficiency and transparency of public administration and improve interaction with citizens. Good governance in public spending can yield benefits for all while lowering the risks for corrupt behavior, thus increasing public trust in state institutions and, ultimately, in democracy.”
This webinar was organized as part of the project “Promoting good governance and a positive business climate in the OSCE region through digitalization and the use of open data,” funded by the United States.