Access to information is essential to human rights and lays the foundation for transparent, accountable and inclusive societies. Ensuring public access to accurate and reliable information is more important than ever in the digital age.
To mark the International Day for Universal Access to Information 2026, the UNESCO regional office in Bangkok and the Foreign Correspondents' Club of Thailand will convene policymakers, oversight institutions and access to information experts from across Southeast Asia to discuss how access to information can strengthen information integrity in an increasingly complex information environment.
Globally, more than 100 countries have adopted constitutional, statutory, or policy guarantees for public access to information since 2000. In Southeast Asia, the first strategic goal of the inter-ministerial ASEAN Workplan on Information and Media 2026-2035 calls for inclusive access to information by 2035.
Aligned with UNESCO’s global theme ‘Upholding Information Integrity in the Digital Age’, this year’s discussion will examine how effective access to information can help address disinformation, misinformation and hate speech while strengthening transparency, oversight and resilience against information disorder across countries in Southeast Asia. Through the exchange of policy lessons, practical initiatives and good practices, the event aims to strengthen collaboration among governments, regulators, media organizations and civil society, while raising awareness of regional efforts to advance access to information and tackle information disorder.
Welcome remarks:
AnnaMaria Oltorp, development cooperation head, Swedish Embassy.
Introduction:
Joe Hironaka, communication & information chief, UNESCO Bangkok.
Panellists:
Danica Orcullo, attorney, policy chief, freedom of information programme, PM’s Office, Philippines;
Virgílio da Silva Guterres, chief ombudsman for human rights and justice, Timor-Leste;
Dr Punitha Silivarajoo, deputy director-general (policy and development), PM’s Department (Legal affairs), Malaysia;
Moderator: Ms Wathshlah Naidu, executive director, Centre for Independent Journalism, Malaysia.
The venue can accommodate up to 50 participants, and advance registration is required. Registration closes on 25 September 2026.
To register, please visit this link.
The event will also be livestreamed in English via FCCT's Facebook page and YouTube channel.
For more info: Communication & Information Unit, ci.bgk@unesco.org
