Lusaka, Zambia | 11–12 March 2026
The Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection (JCTR) participated in the Open Government Partnership (OGP) Youth Zambia Awareness Raising Meeting held from 11 to 12 March 2026 at the InterContinental Hotel in Lusaka. The two-day meeting, organised by the Chandler Foundation, brought together young people from across Zambia to deepen their understanding of open government and explore how youth can play a meaningful role in shaping transparent, accountable, and participatory governance.
A major outcome of the meeting was the establishment of OGP Youth Connect Zambia, a new platform designed to provide young people with a structured voice in Zambia's Open Government Partnership process. JCTR was selected to serve on the Steering Committee of this new platform.
The Open Government Partnership (OGP) is a global initiative launched in 2011 to encourage governments to work collaboratively with civil society in promoting transparency, accountability, public participation, and the use of technology to improve governance.
Today, OGP includes 77 countries and more than 150 local governments, working alongside over 1,000 civil society organisations worldwide.
Through OGP, member countries develop National Action Plans (NAPs) that contain specific commitments to strengthen areas such as:
Zambia formally applied to join OGP in 2024 and was admitted as a member in March 2025 during the Africa and Middle East Regional Meeting held in Nairobi, Kenya.
Civil society organisations had already begun preparing for Zambia's participation by establishing the CSO-OGP Alliance in 2023. The Alliance comprises 17 organisations working together to support inclusive engagement in the process.
At the end of 2025, a National Steering Committee composed of government and civil society representatives was formed to oversee the co-creation of Zambia's first National Action Plan.
The awareness raising meeting was designed to equip young people with the knowledge and tools needed to participate effectively in Zambia's OGP process.
The first day featured presentations on:
Participants had the opportunity to ask questions and engage in plenary discussions on how young people can contribute to the country's governance reforms.
The second day focused on practical engagement.
Participants worked in groups to review the draft National Action Plan and provide structured feedback. Discussions later shifted to how young people can organise themselves to participate consistently and strategically in Zambia's OGP process.
These discussions culminated in the formation of OGP Youth Connect Zambia.
JCTR is honoured to have been selected to serve on the Steering Committee of OGP Youth Connect Zambia.
The Steering Committee will:
JCTR's inclusion reflects its longstanding commitment to economic justice, social accountability, civic engagement, and the promotion of policies that uphold human dignity and the common good.
Young people make up a significant proportion of Zambia's population and are directly affected by public policies and governance decisions.
Their participation is essential to ensuring that governance reforms respond to the realities and aspirations of present and future generations.
Through OGP Youth Connect Zambia, young people will have a dedicated platform to contribute ideas, monitor government commitments, and advocate for greater openness and accountability.
JCTR looks forward to working with fellow Steering Committee members, government institutions, civil society organisations, and development partners to strengthen youth participation in Zambia's open government journey.
By empowering young people to engage in governance processes, Zambia can build institutions that are more transparent, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of all citizens.
About JCTR
The Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection (JCTR) is a faith-based organisation dedicated to promoting social justice, democratic governance, and sustainable development in Zambia through research, advocacy, and civic engagement.
"A just Zambian society guided by faith, where everyone enjoys the fullness of life".