Representatives from about 41 countries gathered in Freetown, Sierra Leone, from September 28 to 30, 2026, for the 17th International Conference of Information Commissioners (ICIC). Held alongside the International Day for Universal Access to Information, the conference focused on “Upholding Information Integrity in the Digital Age.”

A central outcome was the signing of a renewed memorandum of understanding between ICIC and UNESCO, strengthening their cooperation on universal access to information and information integrity.

The Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication (BNNRC) holds observer status with ICIC and plays an active role as a member of its Information Integrity Working Group.

The first day was devoted to the global conference marking the International Day for Universal Access to Information. ICIC’s open session followed on the second day, with a closed session for members concluding the conference on the third. The public sessions included plenary discussions and parallel sessions.

Besnik Dervishi, the Information and Data Protection Commissioner and ICIC Chair, highlighted Freetown’s symbolic significance for citizens’ right to know and participate in public decision-making.

“Freedom begins with the opportunity to know. A citizen without access to information may be formally free, but remains effectively excluded from decision-making,” he said.

Senior officials from Sierra Leone also addressed the conference, including Vice President Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, Minister of Information and Civic Education Chernor Bah, and Commissioner Ibrahim Seaga Shaw.

Discussions examined transparency, proactive disclosure, information disorder, digital technologies and artificial intelligence, records management, and the role of access to information in democratic governance and accountability. Sessions emphasized the timely release of official information, open government, media literacy, and equal access to information for women, young people, and persons with disabilities.

During the closed session, ICIC members reviewed the network’s priorities and institutional developments. Regional rapporteurs outlined progress and challenges in their respective regions, while working groups reported on their activities and achievements.

Welcoming the adoption of the Freetown Joint Declaration, Mr. Dervishi urged members to turn its commitments into concrete action. He called for stronger standards and closer international cooperation to ensure that citizens can obtain reliable information.

The conference also brought decisions on ICIC’s leadership and future meetings. Kosovo was selected to host the 2028 conference. South Africa was reelected to the Executive Committee, while New Zealand, Azerbaijan, and Germany were elected.

As the designated host authority for the 2028 conference, Kosovo will also serve on the Executive Committee for the next three years.

The Freetown conference reaffirmed ICIC’s commitment to international cooperation, stronger transparency frameworks, and the effective exercise of the right of access to information worldwide.