HOSTED BY THE RIGHT TO ACCESS INFORMATION COMMISSION(RAIC), SIERRA LEONE IN COLLABORATION WITH UNESCO
17th International Conference of Information Commissioners & UNESCO Global Conference for the International Day for Universal Access to Information
- 28 – 30 September 2026
- Julius Maada Bio International Conference Centre, Freetown, Sierra Leone
Call for Join Panels
2026 ICIC-IDUAI Conference Call for expression of interest to one of our planetary and parallel Panels.
Programme
The full three-day schedule with plenaries, parallel sessions and side events, plus the delegate brochure to share within your delegation.
Travel & Visa
Register, then arrange everything else — visa invitation letter, partner hotel rates, airport reception and daily shuttle to the venue.
Two global conferences.
One agenda
The 17th International Conference of Information Commissioners (ICIC 2026) and the UNESCO Global Conference marking the International Day for Universal Access to Information (IDUAI 2026) will be held together in Freetown, Sierra Leone, from 28 to 30 September 2026.
The two-in-one landmark event is jointly hosted by the Government of Sierra Leone, its Right to Access Information Commission (RAIC), and UNESCO — the first time the conference has convened in West Africa.
Upholding Information Integrity in the Digital Age: the role of access to information in addressing information disorder.
- 28 – 30 September 2026
-
Julius Maada Bio International Conference Centre,
Freetown, Sierra Leone
What to expect
Three days of high-level debate, technical working sessions and closed-door decision-making — culminating in a declaration that delegates carry back to their own jurisdictions.
High-Level Gathering
Opened by the Head of State, with ministerial and UNESCO leadership addresses setting the terms for three days of debate.
Official Opening Ceremony
Opened by the Head of State, with ministerial and UNESCO leadership addresses setting the terms for three days of debate.
Parallel Sessions & Workshops
Smaller working formats across all five focus areas — technical, practical, and built for commissioners who need answers they can implement.
Regional & Closed-Door Tracks
The ANIC African track, the CSO coalition session, and the closed ICIC business meeting where members set the network's position.
Receptions & Cultural Programme
A welcome reception at State House, a cultural evening hosted by Sierra Leone, and structured side events between delegations.
The Freetown Declaration
DeclarationDrafted in session and adopted on the final day — the collective commitment delegates carry back to their own jurisdictions.
Sierra Leone. Where Freedom Lives
Sierra Leone is a nation defined by its spirit. A spirit shaped by freedom. Known for the warmth of its people, the resilience of its communities and the harmony of its many cultures and faiths. Freetown was founded by people who had just won their liberty. The name was not chosen lightly, and the country has carried what it means ever since.
Sierra Leone is a nation of many cultures and faiths living side by side — a coexistence its people treat as unremarkable and visitors rarely forget. It is also a country that rebuilt its public institutions within living memory, in full view of the world.
Welcome Message
Dear esteemed colleagues and guests,It is with warm excitement that I invite you to the 17th edition of the International Conference of Information Commissioners (ICIC) which will take place from 28th to 30th September 2026 in Freetown, Republic of Sierra Leone
Read Full Message
High Level Speakers
H.E. Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh
Vice President of the Republic of Sierra Leone
Hon. Chernor Bah
Minister of Information and Civic Education
Mariya Gabriel
Assistant Director-General for Communication and Information, UNESCO
Livia Oliveira Sobota
National Secretary for Transparency and Access to Information at the Office of the Comptroller General of Brazil
Rodrigo Fontenelle
Comptroller General of the State of São Paulo (Brazil)
Helena Päivikki Sångeland
Permanent Representative to OECD and UNESCO, Paris, France
Besnik Dervishi
Information and Data Protection Commissioner - Albania
Partners
