The Role of Digitalisation in the implementation of Public Access to Information as an accelerator of SDGs’

Venue: Conference Room 8 (CR 8), United Nations Headquarters in New York 

Organizer: Permanent Representative of Sierra Leone to the United Nations

Participants: UNESCO, Open Government Partnership, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (UK), National Institute for Transparency, Access to Information, and Personal Data Protection of México.

The principle of leaving no one behind is central to Agenda 2030. SDG 16.10.2 aims to ensure public access to information, which is crucial for all SDGs. Access to information empowers individuals, fosters transparency, and drives accountability.

Digitization is crucial for implementing SDG 16.10.2, which focuses on providing legal guarantees for public access to information and protecting fundamental freedoms. Digitization accelerates just and peaceful societies, supports other SDGs, and addresses information gaps, such as misinformation and disinformation.

A joint side event organized by the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development in Sierra Leone, the Right to Access Information Commission in Sierra Leone, and partners, including UNESCO, will discuss 'The Role of Digitization in the Implementation of Access to Information as an Accelerator of the SDGs' at the UN High-Level Political Forum in New York in July.

As the custodian agency for SDG Indicator 16.10.2, UNESCO monitors progress in adopting and implementing Access to Information guarantees. A survey launched in April 2023 received responses from 126 countries and territories, demonstrating continued interest in reporting on access to information within the framework of SDG monitoring.

Speakers at the event will emphasize the vital role of the internet and information access in supporting the democratic process. They will also discuss the importance of an open, free, and secure internet. The panellists will focus on how digitalization and digital platforms improve the efficiency and effectiveness of access to information, particularly in terms of good governance.

Additionally, the speakers will highlight the situations of vulnerable groups in the digital age and encourage public institutions and guarantor bodies to develop mechanisms to address their specific needs. The goal is to introduce necessary tools for a timely evaluation of their circumstances and the environment surrounding them, to enhance their enjoyment of their economic, political, and social rights through the protection of the right to know.

Moderator: Ms Laura Neuman - Senior Advisor, The Carter Center (USA)

Welcoming address: H.E Ambassador Michael Imran Kanu, Permanent Representative of Sierra Leone to the UN 

Opening remarks: 

• Ms Kenyeh Barlay, Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Sierra Leone 

• Dr Tawfik Jelassi: Assistant Director-General for Communication and Information, UNESCO  (video) 

Speakers: 

• Mr Kanbar Hossein Bor, Head of the Democratic Governance and Media Freedom Department at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (UK) (TBC)

• Ms Blanca Ibarra Cadena, On behalf of the International Conference of Information Commissioners and Commissioner of the National Institute for Transparency, Access to Information, and Personal Data Protection of México (Mexico)

• Dr Ibrahim Seaga Shaw, Chairman and Information Commissioner, Access to Information Commission of Sierra Leone (Sierra Leone)

• Mr Blair Glencorse, the Co-CEO of Accountability Lab as well as Co-Chair of the Open Government Partnership Steering Committee (USA)