Waldorf Astoria, Park Ave., New York
20 September 2011 (New York Time)
Seated beside United States President Barack Obama who invited him to this major global effort, President Benigno S. Aquino III attended the formal launching of the Open Government Partnership (OGP) together with the eight leaders of the Steering Committee or founding OGP members and the thirty-eight (38) new member countries. The event was held at the Waldorf Astoria in New York.
President Aquino was the 5th speaker among the eight founding OGP members composed of the United States, Brazil, Indonesia, Mexico, Norway, South Africa, United Kingdom and the Philippines. The U.S. and Brazil serve as co-chair in this year's launch, with the U.S. hosting the first annual OGP meeting. Brazil will host in 2012.
In his message, President Aquino said that the Philippines' participation in the OGP is consistent with his administration's commitment to honest and effective governance since it presents clear advantages to the country like access and exchange of best practices, peer consultation and technical assistance in implementing domestic initiatives. He lauded all the OGP founding members, as well as the 38 new countries that joined the multi-lateral initiative for standing up for transparent, accountable and participatory governance.
He also thanked the OGP for selecting the Philippines as one of the 8 Steering Committee as "this acknowledges and further strengthens our commitment to promoting transparency, fostering accountability and combating corruption."
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