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Paul joined the Open Government Partnership in January 2022. He provides guidance and assistance to governments and civil society in Europe, primarily in Western and Central Europe, pushing for open government reforms, as well as facilitating exchange and learning.
Paul has a background in democratic and social innovation, particularly working with civil society and governments to demonstrate and champion new ways of involving the public in deliberation and decision making. He previously led the Community Foundation for Northern Ireland’s work on Innovation and Community Voice, which included developing Northern Ireland’s first citizens’ assembly, participatory budgeting and open government initiatives. He is an experienced facilitator including co-design and creative problem solving processes, as well as involvement in various citizens’ assemblies across the UK. Prior to returning to his native Northern Ireland in 2011, Paul worked in international development, a subject in which he holds a Masters degree. Working with Irish NGO Trócaire across roles in Pakistan, the DRC and at global level, he supported civil society programmes on participatory governance, gender equality and human rights. Paul is a board member of Involve, the UK’s public participation charity.

Paul can be reached at Paul.Braithwaite@opengovpartnership.org