Dr. Ibrahim Seaga Shaw, Chairman and Information Commissioner of the Right to Access Information Commission (RAIC) of Sierra Leone, represented the country at the 2025 Global Conference on the International Day for Universal Access to Information (IDUAI) held in Manila, The Philippines, from 29th to 30th September. The event, organized by UNESCO, was themed: “Ensuring Access to Environmental Information in the Digital Age.”

Dr. Ibrahim Seaga Shaw was one of the distinguished global experts selected to speak on a plenary panel discussing how legal frameworks can incorporate big data while balancing openness, privacy and ethical use. In his presentation, Dr. Ibrahim Seaga Shaw underscored the growing importance of digital technology and open data in advancing access to information and promoting good governance.

“As digital technologies rapidly advance, it is crucial to use these tools to manage data responsibly, promote access to information and protect personal data in line with national laws and global best practices,” he stated.

He further explained that access to information and data protection are not opposing principles but complementary ones that together uphold human rights and foster development. “Access to information promotes openness, while data protection safeguards privacy. Where these two intersect, it is important to apply a public interest test to balance both rights,” he added.

Dr. Ibrahim Seaga Shaw highlighted Sierra Leone’s progress in this area, noting that the Right to Access Information Act of 2013 already provides for exempt information related to data protection. He revealed that a new Access to Information and Data Protection Bill is being developed to merge both frameworks under one oversight body; a model proven to be more effective and efficient globally.

Sharing Sierra Leone’s experience, Dr. Ibrahim Seaga Shaw outlined efforts by the RAIC to strengthen data and records management across public institutions. “In 2021, we developed a training manual to guide officials in managing public records. With support from UNESCO, we now have a comprehensive records management code of practice,” he said. He added that Section 27 of Sierra Leone’s Right to Access Information Act mandates every public authority to establish a records management unit, a provision the Commission actively enforces through annual evaluations.

Dr. Ibrahim Seaga Shaw also cited cases where public institutions initially failed to provide requested information due to poor recordkeeping but later complied after RAIC’s intervention. These efforts, he noted, have led to an increase in the number of records officers across Government agencies.

Looking beyond Sierra Leone, Dr. Ibrahim Seaga Shaw announced that, with UNESCO’s support, the RAIC is leading an initiative to develop a continental training manual on records management for African oversight bodies on access to information and data protection.

The two-day Global IDUAI 2025 Conference brought together policymakers, experts and civil society leaders to explore ways of strengthening access to environmental information in the digital era. The sessions examined themes such as environmental transparency, open Government, climate change communication and civil society participation.

Under Dr. Ibrahim Seaga Shaw’s leadership since 2019, Sierra Leone has earned recognition for its strong performance in regional and global access to information rankings, reflecting the country’s commitment to transparency and accountability in governance.

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