INTERNATIONAL DISCUSSION ON GLOBAL MOVEMENT IN FAVOR OF TRANSPARENCY

From November 26th to the 29th, 2007, the 5th International Conference of Info rmation Commissioners (ICIC) was held in Wellington, New Zealand. This meeting is summoned by the commissioners and councilors of information access, as well as ombudspersons and other people that occupy public offices with responsibilities related to the right to information access.

 

In the conference, among other topics, the participants addressed the viability of creating a global movement in favor of transparency, the need of promoting a culture of openness and participation, the relation between information access, human rights and economic development, and they also prepared proposals for making the right to information extensive.

 

Besides the plenary sessions, Fundar, Center for Analysis and Research took part in the meetings where the following issues were discussed: the right to information access for parliamentary bodies and tribunals, concrete proposals for the promotion of transparency, sector approximations and the use of information and communication technologies in Mexico .

 

Among the most important conclusions of this conference we can highlight the fact that, despite the differences between the models and legal frameworks of countries, there are critical common points and creative forms to successfully address them. The works of the conference were featured by the possibility of sharing positive experiences, challenges, alternatives and working models.

 

The ICIC is the most important event in the world regarding specialized organisms in information access. Representatives of organisms from all the continents and with a significant coverage of all the sub-regions of the world attend the event. In addition, there is the participation of international organizations specialized in the topic, civil society organizations, academics and officers of multi lateral organisms. The event took place with the support of the World Bank Institute, Open Society Initiative, New Zealand 's International Aid & Development Agency, Rule of Law Initiative and the United Nations' Program for Development.