Information Minister Chernor Bah has called on global stakeholders to strengthen access to reliable information as Sierra Leone hosts the 2026 International Conference of Information Commissioners and the UNESCO Global Conference. The conference, which runs from September 28 to 30, brings together international and national stakeholders to discuss information integrity and the digital information environment. Bah made the call while welcoming delegates to the conference in Lungi.
The conference is hosted by Sierra Leone’s Right to Access Information Commission in collaboration with UNESCO and marks the 17th edition of the International Conference of Information Commissioners. The event has the theme, “Upholding Information Integrity in the Digital Age: The Role of Access to Information in Addressing Information Disorder.” Bah presented Sierra Leone’s history as a central part of its case for hosting discussions on freedom of information and democratic participation.
Bah cited Sierra Leone’s experience with democratic transitions, including the 1996 elections held during the civil war and periods of military rule when citizens and public-sector workers resisted disruptions to constitutional governance. He also pointed to several reforms, including the repeal of criminal libel laws, abolition of the death penalty, restoration of pregnant girls’ access to education, and measures to increase women’s participation in governance and employment.
The minister said the global information environment now faces additional pressures from rapid technological change, artificial intelligence, and the growing sophistication of false information. He said those developments have created challenges for governments, media organizations, citizens, and institutions seeking to protect the public’s right to access credible information while maintaining space for free expression and participation.
The conference’s official program examines issues including public-sector transparency, youth and digital platforms, beneficial ownership information, and information integrity in Africa. Bah said he hoped discussions during the conference would produce practical recommendations and contribute to a Freetown Declaration capable of guiding future efforts on access to information, information integrity, and democratic participation.
The conference program provides for plenary and parallel sessions before the adoption of a Freetown ICIC/IDUAI Joint Declaration on access to information as a pillar of information integrity. Bah thanked Vice President Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, UNESCO officials, the ICIC community, and Sierra Leonean stakeholders for their support and participation in the gathering.
Beyond the conference discussions, Bah encouraged visiting delegates to explore Sierra Leone’s history, culture, and tourism attractions. The conference continues through Wednesday, September 30, with further plenary discussions, technical sessions, and meetings involving information commissioners, civil society organisations, and other stakeholders.
Key points
- Information Minister Chernor Bah calls for stronger information integrity at the 2026 International Conference of Information Commissioners and the UNESCO Global Conference.
- The conference aims to address information disorder and promote access to information as a pillar of information integrity.
- The event brings together international and national stakeholders to discuss information integrity and the digital information environment.
