The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the Open Government Partnership co-hosted the Asia-Pacific Regional Meeting 2025 in Manila, Philippines, from February 4 to 8.

The meeting focused on strengthening democracy, enhancing transparency, and improving government accountability. Discussions also addressed challenges in implementing open and transparent governance initiatives across the region.

Deputy Secretary General of the State Great Hural E. Lkhagva participated as a panel speaker, presenting key parliamentary initiatives aimed at increasing transparency and public engagement in decision-making. In his speech, he highlighted that the State Great Hural is not only the 13th parliament to conduct a gender-sensitive self-assessment but also the first parliament globally to conduct a self-evaluation on human rights compliance. He introduced the findings, recommendations, and methodology of this self-assessment, emphasizing its significant contribution to fostering a human rights-centered and gender-responsive legislative body.

E. Lkhagva also introduced the “Three Pillars of Excellence” policy, initiated by the chairman of the State Great Hural. This policy is grounded in the constitutional mission of building a humane, democratic civil society. He noted that the newly formed parliament, following the ninth national election, has committed to prioritizing human rights protection and establishing a people-centered legal framework over the next four years. The “Three Pillars of Excellence” aim to ensure legislation is comprehensive, clear, and responsive to rapid societal changes, while also defining the boundaries between laws and regulations to enhance legal clarity.

In closing, E. Lkhagva highlighted efforts to improve public awareness and engagement with parliamentary policies and legislation. As part of this initiative, legal advocacy centers have been established in Bayankhongor, Darkhan-Uul, Uvurkhangai, and Govisumber provinces to enhance public access to legal information and strengthen civic engagement. These efforts are expected to contribute to strengthening representative democracy and fostering a more open and transparent governance system.

The Asia-Pacific Regional Meeting brought together over 800 representatives from governments, civil society, and international organizations across the region to promote collaboration, share best practices, and advance collective governance initiatives.