About the Summit
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.
Delegates will examine how timely, reliable official information can strengthen the information environment and counter information disorder. Over three days, information commissioners, regulators, civil society, journalists and researchers meet in plenary and parallel sessions, alongside the African Network of Information Commissioners track and the closed ICIC business meeting. The conference concludes with the adoption of the Freetown Declaration, setting the network's collective position on information integrity for the years ahead.
- 28 – 30 September 2026
- Julius Maada Bio International Conference Centre, Freetown, Sierra Leone
FOCUS
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.
Proactive Disclosure and Information Integrity
When public authorities disclose credible information promptly and respond to requests without delay, citizens have no reason to seek answers elsewhere. This area examines proactive disclosure as the primary defence against information disorder — what to publish, how fast, and in what form.
Record-Keeping as the Foundation of Access
A dedicated plenary examines how good record-keeping enables access to information. Without reliable records, disclosure obligations cannot be met and integrity cannot be verified — making archives and records management a precondition for the right to know, not an administrative afterthought.
Information Integrity in Fragile and High-Risk Contexts
Armed conflict, health emergencies, climate action, humanitarian disasters and elections in emerging democracies leave populations most exposed to information disorder — and official information hardest to obtain. This area looks at what access to information can protect when institutions are under greatest strain.
A Multi-Sector Response
Information integrity cannot be secured by information commissions alone. This area convenes commissions, ombudsmen, partners, the media, academia, the security sector, civil society and NGOs to define what a coordinated response looks like — and who is accountable for which part of it.
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.