By: Salamatu Conteh
Sierra Leone has commenced preparations to host two major international information conferences in September — the UNESCO International Day for Universal Access to Information and the International Conference of Information Commissioners (ICIC) , which are expected to bring approximately 300 international delegates to the country. The three-day programme will be hosted at the JMB International Conference Centre in Lungi.
Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah, hosted a high-level coordination meeting at the Ministry’s Conference Room, bringing together representatives from key government institutions to coordinate preparations for the events.
In his opening remarks, Minister Bah described the conferences as landmark events for Sierra Leone, noting that the anticipated participation of international delegates demonstrates growing recognition of the country’s work in advancing access to information.
The Minister emphasised the importance of inter-ministerial collaboration and cited President Julius Maada Bio’s directive for all institutions involved to “put our best foot forward” in ensuring the successful hosting of the conferences.
Minister Bah also stressed the importance of sustaining the momentum generated by the events and positioning Sierra Leone to attract and host more high-level international conferences in the future.
Chairman of the Right to Access Information Commission (RAIC), Dr. Ibrahim Seaga Shaw, provided a technical update, identifying transportation as a key logistical consideration and calling for strengthened coordination among participating institutions.
Representatives from the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Transport and Aviation, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Communication, Technology and Innovation (MoCTI), Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Office of National Security (ONS) provided updates on their respective preparations and commitments towards ensuring the success of the conferences.
Discussions centred on critical areas including transportation, security, healthcare, internet connectivity, power supply, live streaming, and diplomatic protocol, with institutions outlining measures to ensure effective coordination before and throughout the events.
The preparations are aimed at ensuring a seamless experience for delegates from arrival to departure, while demonstrating Sierra Leone’s readiness and capacity to host major international engagements and strengthening its profile as a destination for future global conferences.
