November 26, 2024

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Unveiling the results of the Open Budget Survey 2021 May 31

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The Open Budget Survey 2021 comes at a time when accountable and inclusive public budgeting is more urgent than ever. Democratic backsliding and other governance challenges abound. The pandemic has exacerbated inequality and left women and marginalized communities bearing the brunt of the fallout.

Public budget processes are an important space for governments to engage meaningfully with their publics around decisions that can help communities bounce back better. Accountable public spending reinforces the role of independent pillars of government and restores public trust that government can deliver.

Despite headwinds, our latest results affirm that investing in open budgets is a winning proposition. Since 2008, transparency scores have increased 20 percent. Nevertheless, we are still far from the levels of information the public needs to provide meaningful debate on public spending. Broader accountability remains weak, and in some countries executive overreach has undermined the impact of oversight watchdogs, putting at risk vital resources that are needed for an inclusive recovery.

This year’s survey showcases bright spots where reform-minded officials and civil society have been able to drive concerted, sustained progress to toward more open and accountable public spending. These champions for reform provide a roadmap for others to follow. Our event will feature reflections from several open budget champions on their paths to progress as well as insights on how to further bolster accountability systems worldwide.

Speakers include: 

Aruna Roy, Founder of Mazdoor Kisan Shakthi Sangathan
Helen Clark, IDC Goodwill Ambassador for SAI Independence and former Prime Minister of New Zealand
Zainab Ahmed, Minister of Finance of Nigeria
Romuald Wadagni, Minister of Economy and Finance of Benin
Lasha Khutsishvili, Minister of Finance of Georgia
Dumitru Budianschi, Minister of Finance of the Republic of Moldova
Anjali Garg, Head of the Open Budget Survey, International Budget Partnership
Sofía Sprechmann, IBP Board Member, will moderate the event.

Date: May 31 2022
Time: 8:30am – 10:00am EST