TIRANA: The Presidential Communications Office (PCO) represented the Philippines in the 15th International Conference of Information Commissioners (ICIC), the premier forum for global cooperation and coordination among access to information guarantor bodies. PCO Undersecretary for Operations, Administration, Finance and GOCCs Cherbett Karen Maralit led the country's delegation to the annual conference held in Tirana, Albania on June 3-5. Hosted by the Commissioner for the Right to Information and Protection of Personal Data of Albania, the 2024 conference embodied the theme 'Empowering Individuals through Access to Information: Ensuring Transparency and Inclusivity in an Interconnected World.' The event focused on empowering individuals through access to information, featuring panel sessions, parallel sessions, side events, various meetings, and ICIC work updates. The conference saw the participation of 210 delegates and guests, including representatives of international organizations, civil society, the media, and the academic world. The aim was to promote the development of international standards in the field of the right to information, creating a forum that fosters dialogue, cooperation, and the exchange of information. In his address, Albania Prime Minister Edi Rama underscored the significance of the right to information, saying, 'The right to information is not simply a democratic instrument but a prerequisite for the health and development of functional democracies.' Adrian Alcala Mendez, ICIC Chair and President Commissioner of the Institute for Transparency, Access to Information, and Personal Data Protection of Mexico, said the conference 'is not only a meeting of authorities, but also a space where we can join forces, where we can inspire each other, and where we can develop joint strategies to improve our practices.' 'It is an opportunity to build a global community committed to the protection and promotion of the right of access to information,' Mendez added. The PCO, which hosted the 2023 conference through its Freedom of Information Program Management Office (FOI PMO), played several pivotal roles in this year's event. Maralit served as the rapporteur for a session on open data and proactive disclosure. 'We were reminded that transparency is a never-ending process and that there would be no need for institutions handling reactive disclosure as proactive disclosure would, hopefully, soon become the norm,' she said. 'All of us here have a common goal - to empower citizens and to provide the best public service possible. Pursuing our shared mission to promote transparency, accountability, and inclusivity is also never-ending.' FOI PMO Communications and Capacity Development Chief Krizia Casey Avejar shared the experience of the Philippines in applying the Right to Information Implementation Assessment during the Center for Law and Democracy's side event on How to Assess the Implementation of Access to Information Laws. International Affairs Lead Deniel Echevarria organized and facilitated t he second assembly for Asian Access to Information Alliance founding members and prospective partners. During the closed session of the conference, the PCO also delivered regional updates for Asia. Source: Philippines News Agency