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 (IDUAI) 2026, the UNESCO Regional Office in Bangkok (UNESCO Bangkok) and the Foreign Correspondents' Club of Thailand (FCCT) will convene policymakers, oversight institutions and access to information experts from across South-East 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 South-East Asia, the first Strategic Goal of the interministerial ASEAN Workplan on Information and Media 2026-2035 calls for the achievement of 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 South-East 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:
AnnaMariaOltorp Head of the Development Cooperation Section, Embassy of Sweden in Bangkok
Introduction:
Joe Hironaka Chief of Communication and Information Unit, UNESCO Regional Office in Bangkok
Panel discussion:
Attorney Danica Orcullo Policy Chief, Freedom of Information Programme, Prime Minister's Office, Philippines
Mr Virgílio da Silva Guterres Chief Ombudsman for Human Rights and Justice (PDHJ), Timor-Leste
Dr Punitha Silivarajoo Deputy Director General (Policy and Development), Legal Affairs Division, Prime Minister's Department, Malaysia
Moderator: Ms Wathshlah Naidu Executive Director, Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ), Malaysia
Participation is free and open to the public. 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 information:
Communication and Information Unit, ci.bgk(at)unesco.org
