Sierra Leone hosts international conference on information integrity

Sierra Leone is hosting the 17th International Conference of Information Commissioners (ICIC) in Lungi from September 28 to 30, 2026. Held at the Julius Maada Bio Conference Centre, the event coincides with UNESCO’s commemoration of the International Day for Universal Access to Information (IDUAI).

Vice President Juldeh Jalloh delivered the keynote address, emphasizing that access to information is vital for strengthening democratic governance, protecting citizen rights, and building public trust. He noted that information access is a critical factor in consolidating young democracies like Sierra Leone, especially as the nation navigates digital transformation.

The conference theme, “Upholding Information Integrity in the Digital Age: The Role of Access to Information in Addressing Information Disorder,” focuses on the challenges of misinformation and disinformation. In support of these goals, the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) reaffirmed its commitment to promoting credible information. SLAJ President Alhaji Manika Kamara stated that transparency from public institutions is essential to countering false narratives, noting that “when accurate information is accessible, false information has less room to survive.”