RAIC Boss to Speak at UN HLPF in New York
By Pateh Bah
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The Chairman and Information Commissioner of the Right to Access Information Commission (RAIC), Dr Ibrahim Seaga Shaw, is poised to speak at the UN High-Level Political Forum (HLPF), slated for 16th July, 2024, in the Conference Room 8 in New York, on “The Role of Digitization in the Implementation of Access to Information as an Accelerator of the SDGs.”
The said conference is organised by the Permanent Representative of Sierra Leone to the United Nations in concert with the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development, the Right to Access Information Commission, and partners, including UNESCO.
Digitization is a powerful accelerator for implementing access to information and achieving the SDGs. Therefore, RAIC boss Dr Ibrahim Seaga is expected to speak on leveraging digital technologies, which can enhance transparency, efficiency, and inclusivity, ultimately fostering sustainable development and empowering citizens worldwide. He is expected to emphasize the vital role of the internet and information access in supporting the democratic process. He will also discuss the importance of an open, free, and secure internet. The information and communication expert is also expected to 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.
Drawing on the Sierra Leone experience following the recent launching of the digital access to information platforms by his Commission, the Media scholar and practitioner is expected to speak on, among other things, digitization that enables the creation of online platforms and portals where information can be easily accessed by the public, and this ensures that people, regardless of their location, can obtain information relevant to their needs and interests; with the proliferation of smartphones, digital access to information becomes even more widespread, reaching marginalized and remote communities.
Dr Shaw is also expected to speak on the facts that governments and organizations can publish datasets online, promoting transparency and allowing citizens to hold institutions accountable; open data initiatives also enable researchers and activists to analyze and use information to advocate for policy changes; digital systems can provide real-time updates on government activities, budgets, and expenditures, fostering a culture of accountability and trust. The Commissioner is, among other things, expected to lecture on digitizing information that reduces the need for physical storage and dissemination, lowering costs for both providers and users, and this financial efficiency allows for more resources to be allocated to other developmental needs; digital tools can streamline administrative processes, making it easier for individuals to request and receive information promptly; digital platforms offer training and educational resources to build capacity among citizens, journalists, and civil society organizations on how to access and use information effectively; digital platforms facilitate greater public participation in governance, allowing citizens to engage in decision-making processes, contribute to policy discussions, and participate in democratic practices; and access to information is directly linked to SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions), as it promotes transparent and accountable institutions.
The panelists are also expected to focus on how digitalization and digital platforms improve the efficiency and effectiveness of access to information, particularly in terms of good governance.
The principle of leaving no one behind remains centre stage for Agenda 2030. SDG 16.10.2 aims to ensure public access to information, which is crucial for all Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), as access to information empowers individuals, fosters transparency, and drives accountability.
It goes without saying that 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.
As the custodian agency for SDG Indicator 16.10.2, UNESCO monitors progress in adopting and implementing Access to Information guarantees, and 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.
The conference is going to attract UNESCO, Open Government Partnership, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (UK), National Institute for Transparency, Access to Information, and Personal Data Protection of México.
Senior Advisor of the Carter Center (USA), Ms Laura Neuman is going to serve as moderator; whilst H.E Michael Ambassador Imran Kanu Sierra Leone Permanent Representative to the UN is expected to give the welcoming address.
Head of the Democratic Governance and Media Freedom Department at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (UK), Mr Kanbar Hossein Bor, and 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, Ms Blanca Ibarra Cadena, are expected to serve as panellists.
The conference is also going to attract the Assistant Director-General for Communication and Information, UNESCO, Dr Tawfik Jelassi and the Co-CEO of Accountability Lab as well as Co-Chair of the Open Government Partnership Steering Committee (USA), Mr Blair Glencorse.
Copyright –Published in print in Expo Times Newspaper on Monday, July 8th, 2024 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)