Global Access to Information Initiative
Access to information is the cornerstone of good governance, meaningful participation and transparency, recognised as a fundamental human right. The initiative focuses on the passage of legislation as well as its effective implementation, enforcement, awareness and use.
The initiative supports countries in developing transparent, accountable and citizen-oriented systems of governance. It addresses not only the legal recognition of the right to information, but also the institutional, technical and social conditions required to make this right meaningful in practice.
It works with public authorities, civil society organisations, journalists, researchers and local communities to identify barriers to information and develop practical solutions adapted to national and local contexts.
Seven fronts, one right
Legal and Policy Reform
Research, expert advice and policy recommendations to support access-to-information legislation, with attention to disclosure procedures, proportionate exemptions, independent oversight and effective appeal mechanisms.
Institutional Capacity Building
Support for public institutions in establishing procedures for handling information requests, and training for civil servants, information officers and oversight bodies on legal obligations and international standards.
Proactive Transparency and Open Data
Encouraging institutions to publish information proactively, and supporting open-data portals, accessible public registers and digital tools that make government information easier to find and reuse.
Civil Society and Public Awareness
Working with civil society organisations, community leaders, educators and the media to raise awareness of information rights and help citizens use available mechanisms effectively.
Journalism and Public-Interest Research
Training, research support and cooperation opportunities for journalists, civil society organisations and public institutions, turning public information into knowledge that strengthens accountability.
Inclusion and Accessibility
Particular attention to rural communities, persons with disabilities, linguistic minorities, women and marginalised populations, so information is available in accessible formats and understandable language.
Monitoring and Evaluation
Tools for assessing response times, disclosure rates, appeal procedures and institutional compliance, with comparative research to identify good practices and implementation gaps.
What the initiative does in practice
- ✓ Comparative research on access-to-information legislation and implementation
- ✓ Technical assistance for governments and public institutions
- ✓ Training for civil servants, journalists and civil society representatives
- ✓ Public awareness and civic education campaigns
- ✓ Practical guides, toolkits and model procedures
- ✓ Support for open-data and digital-transparency platforms
- ✓ Pilot projects with municipalities and local communities
- ✓ Policy dialogues with government, civil society, academia and media
- ✓ Monitoring reports and recommendations for institutional reform
Effective access to information helps citizens monitor public spending, participate in policymaking, identify corruption, protect their rights and hold decision-makers accountable.
By connecting legal reform with institutional capacity, digital innovation and public engagement, the initiative aims to turn access to information from a formal entitlement into a practical tool for democratic governance and sustainable development.