About ICIC

The International Conference of Information Commissioners (ICIC) is a worldwide annual forum which connects Information Commissioners, Ombudspersons and other bodies in charge with overseeing the implementation of Access to Public Information legislation, in order to foster the protection and the promotion of access to public information as a fundamental pillar to social, economic and democratic governance.

The ICIC’s mission is to share knowledge and best practices, to build capacity, to help identify what is needed for global progress and to act as a collective voice in international fora with a view to improving people’s right to public information and their ability to hold to account bodies that provide public functions. ​

The International Conference of Information Commissioners first met in 2003 and has met regularly since then. In March 2019, the International Conference reached a milestone when it adopted its Governance Charter.

The governance framework of the ICIC is established in the Johannesburg Charter. This Charter was adopted in 2019 by resolution of the information commissioners present at the closed meeting of the ICIC in Johannesburg, South Africa. It sets out the guiding principles, the vision and the goals, the role of the Conference, its membership, its governance structure and the rules governing the participation of its members.

The annual conference programme of ICIC consists of a closed session and a public session. The closed session is attended by accredited members and observers; the public session is attended by these members and observers in addition to a wider audience from international organizations and partners, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), civil society and other interested stakeholders.