Recommendations on Asset and Interest Declarations for OGP Action Plans

Public servants are appointed to govern in the public interest and many fulfil their duties with distinction. Yet there are countless cases, great and small, of corrupt politicians and officials who abuse their positions of power to enrich themselves. There are many cases, too, of those who fail to make the right decisions because their private interests conflict with those of the public.

Asset and interest declarations, which require public officials to disclose information about their personal wealth and interests, are widely recognised as a vital tool to fight corruption and promote integrity in public service.

This paper contains recommendations for Open Government Partnership (OGP) members on reviewing their asset and interest declaration frameworks and creating comprehensive, robust and accessible systems for disclosure. Such systems help to ensure officials remain honest, and that they are seen to remain honest, which promotes integrity in public service and enhances public trust in government.