The 17th edition of the International Conference of Information Commissioners (ICIC) was held in Freetown, Sierra Leone, from September 28 to 30, 2026, alongside the International Day for Universal Access to Information (IDUAI). The conference was held under the theme “Upholding Information Integrity in the Digital Age” and brought together representatives from approximately 41 countries.
A key achievement of the conference was the signing of the renewed Memorandum of Understanding between ICIC and UNESCO, reinforcing their cooperation to advance universal access to information and strengthen information integrity.
The first day of the event was dedicated to the global conference marking the International Day for Universal Access to Information (IDUAI). The second day featured the ICIC Open Session, while the event concluded on the third day with a closed session for ICIC members. The open days included several plenary discussions and parallel sessions.
The Information and Data Protection Commissioner, Mr. Besnik Dervishi, in his capacity as Chair of the ICIC, highlighted the symbolic significance of Freetown in relation to citizens’ right to know and participate in 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 emphasized.
The conference was also addressed by high-ranking officials from the host country, including the Vice President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Mr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh; the Minister of Information and Civic Education, Mr. Chernor Bah; and the Commissioner, Mr. Ibrahim Seaga Shaw.
The conference addressed key issues such as transparency, proactive disclosure, information disorder, digital technologies and artificial intelligence, records management, and the role of access to information in promoting accountability and democratic governance. Discussions during the sessions focused on proactive disclosure, 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 discussed the network’s priorities and institutional developments. Regional rapporteurs provided updates on developments and challenges in their respective regions, while ICIC working groups shared information on their ongoing work, progress, and achievements.
Welcoming the adoption of the Freetown Joint Declaration, the ICIC Chair called for its commitments to be translated into concrete actions through strengthened standards and enhanced international cooperation, with the aim of ensuring that citizens have access to reliable information.
The conference also marked two important institutional developments: Kosovo was selected to host the 2028 ICIC Conference, and four members were elected to the Executive Committee:
- South Africa – re-elected,
- New Zealand – elected,
- Azerbaijan – elected,
- Germany – elected.
Kosovo will also serve on the Executive Committee for the next three years in its capacity as the host authority for the 2028 ICIC Conference.
The Freetown conference reaffirmed the ICIC’s commitment to international cooperation, stronger transparency frameworks, and the effective exercise of the right of access to information worldwide.
