As we bid farewell to 2024, it’s time to look back on the year that is slowly coming to an end and celebrate the incredible work done across the Open Knowledge Network. This year has been a journey of innovation, resilience, and collaboration, demonstrating the power of openness in fostering global change. I feel very lucky to share a space with all the extremely talented people that make our Network, and I particularly appreciate the last call of the year we have, where we share the main achievements that made us proud in 2024 and the exciting plans we have for the year to come. 

For me, the highlights of the year were:

1. The launch of the Network Regional Hubs in April was a pivotal step toward fostering localized collaboration and leadership.
2. The Network face-to-face meeting in Katowice, Poland—a powerful moment of connection despite the absence of some members due to visa restrictions and other challenges. 
3. The Tech We Want Summit – with the participation of so many Network members!
4. The early testing of Open Data Editor with Network members in November and December.

The Open Knowledge Network’s achievements reflect a collective commitment to openness, innovation, and inclusivity. Across the globe, Network members are addressing pressing issues such as climate change, digital access, and governance with bold, forward-thinking projects. The consistent theme across all regions is the power of collaboration—a cornerstone of our shared vision.

Here are some of the achievements and plans for next year that were shared by other Network members, in alphabetical order:

🇦🇲 Armenia: This year, Armenia hosted a successful ODD event, with plans for next year focused on data visualization, air quality, and GLAM (Galleries, Libraries, Archives, and Museums). Their ODD 2025 will spotlight data journalism and cultural heritage.

🇧🇩 Bangladesh: Open Knowledge Bangladesh reactivated this year amid political and internet challenges. They engaged young people and focused on Wikimedia-related activities. Their 2025 goals include promoting a national open access policy, expanding the national open data portal, and advancing GLAM projects.

🇪🇪 Estonia: Estonia contributed to national public information discussions in 2024 and aims to enhance collaboration with other Network members in 2025.

🇬🇭 Ghana: Ghana’s chapter formalized its structure, gained nonprofit certification, and spearheaded projects like Open Goes COP and the Wiki Green Conference. Looking ahead, they aim to build effective communities, sustain the movement, and enhance capacity-building efforts.

🇬🇹 Guatemala: This first year in the Network was one of learning for Guatemala, particularly in navigating governmental collaboration. They initiated an NGO to sustain efforts and are awaiting approval to develop digital infrastructure in three municipalities.

🇯🇵 Japan: Although less active as a group this year, Open Knowledge Japan made significant progress in discussions about rebuilding their team and planning activities. Open Data Day (ODD) remains a huge success in Japan, a testament to the community’s self-sustaining enthusiasm.

🇲🇰 Macedonia: This year was about understanding Open Knowledge operations. Next year, they plan to work on a data visualization project for a local municipality while advocating for open data policies.

🇲🇽 Mexico: Mexico’s ODD welcomed 200+ participants, alongside the Gobernantes.info project, which opens public interest data on elected officials. They also developed a spreadsheet course and are collaborating on a mapping course for the humanitarian sector. Upcoming projects include open data on migration within LATAM.

🇳🇵 Nepal: This year, Nepal launched the Integrated Data Management System (IDMS), a tool to build open data portals for local governments. They also made strides in reaching rural communities with data initiatives. In 2025, they plan to advance IDMS, refresh the Nepali open data portal, and promote “The Tech We Want” (TTWW) at the OGP Local Meeting in the Philippines. Their wish? Greater collaboration across the Network.

🇳🇬 Nigeria: In 2024, Nigeria focused on open data about climate change and its impacts on women, producing a podcast series on the topic. In 2025, they hope to explore how open data and AI can complement each other.

🇷🇺 Russia: Despite challenges, activities in Russia persisted, mostly remotely. The focus has been on GLAM, open access, and research-related open data. Plans are underway to create a research-focused open data portal, with ODD 2025 planned as a remote event.

🇿🇲 Zambia: This year marked Zambia’s introduction to open knowledge concepts. They’re eager to advance their understanding and involvement in 2025.

Our CEO, Renata Avila, gave an overview of the main highlights from the Foundation’s work in 2024 and our plans and wishes for 2025. 

As we step into 2025, The Tech We Want will guide the Open Knowledge Foundation’s strategic focus. We will organise our work around four main pillars:

1. Defining Ethical Tech: Shaping a framework for open, equitable technology through community collaboration and high-impact advocacy.
2. Building Open Tools: Expanding tools like the Open Data Editor to foster transparency and utility in data usage.
3. Innovating Governance Models: Creating sustainable governance mechanisms to support long-term community engagement.
4. Leading by Example: Adopting the open technologies we promote within our internal operations.

We cannot imagine doing any of this without collaborating with the Network of course. The power of collaboration is a cornerstone of our vision, and we stand by our motto: better together than alone.

As we close the year and look to the next, we extend our deepest gratitude to every Network member. Together, we will continue to shape a future fair, sustainable, and open for all!

Here’s to a transformative and impactful 2025!