By: Salamatu Conteh, MoICE
LUNGI, Sierra Leone — Sierra Leone has opened the 2026 International Conference on Information, Communication and Information Integrity (ICIC+IDUAI), a three-day global gathering taking place from 28 to 30 September at the JMB International Conference Centre in Lungi.
The conference brings together participants from about 41 countries, including policymakers, media practitioners, civil society representatives, information experts and international partners, to examine access to information, information integrity and the evolving global information landscape.
In his welcome statement, Minister of Information and Civic Education Chernor Bah described Sierra Leone as a fitting venue for discussions on freedom of information, particularly as the country joins the global community in marking the International Day for Universal Access to Information.
“This is a conference of freedom,” Bah told delegates, drawing on Sierra Leone’s history as a country founded by formerly enslaved people from across the Atlantic.
He referenced the historic Cotton Tree and the founding of Freetown as enduring symbols of freedom, hope and a new beginning.
Bah also highlighted what he described as Sierra Leone’s history of resilience in defending democratic governance.
He pointed to the 1996 elections, held during the country’s civil war, when citizens went to the polls despite threats of violence. He also recalled periods of military rule when teachers and public servants stayed away from work, demonstrating opposition to the interruption of democratic governance.
According to the Minister, Sierra Leone has held five national elections since the end of the civil war, with political power changing hands peacefully between political parties on two occasions.
Bah further cited a number of reforms undertaken by Sierra Leone in recent years, including the repeal of criminal libel laws, the abolition of the death penalty, the restoration of pregnant girls’ right to attend school, and measures aimed at increasing women’s participation in governance and the workplace.
“These are choices that we have made as a country,” he said, linking the reforms to Sierra Leone’s broader commitment to expanding civic and democratic space.
“Welcome to Sierra Leone, where freedom lives,” Bah said, describing the phrase as part of the country’s message to the world.
He added that the government intends to continue creating space for citizens to live, speak and participate freely.
The Minister acknowledged that the global information environment is changing rapidly, creating new challenges for governments, journalists, citizens and institutions.
He highlighted the growing influence of artificial intelligence, the spread of increasingly sophisticated false information and the rapid expansion of media platforms and communication channels.
Bah said these developments raise fundamental questions about how societies can protect the public’s right to know, strengthen access to reliable information and enable citizens to make informed choices while preserving democratic space.
He challenged delegates to consider how societies can ensure that truth is tested and trusted in an increasingly complex information environment.
The Minister expressed hope that the conference would produce practical recommendations and contribute to a Freetown Declaration that could help guide future action on access to information, information integrity and democratic participation.
Bah thanked Vice President Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh for his leadership and support for the country’s reform agenda, as well as the UNESCO Assistant Director-General, the ICIC community and Sierra Leonean ministers, journalists, activists and citizens attending the conference.
He also encouraged international delegates to experience Sierra Leone beyond the conference venue, highlighting the country’s cuisine, history, wildlife, islands and beaches.
Among the places he encouraged visitors to explore were St. John’s Maroon Church in Freetown, the Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary, Bonth Island and Banana Island.
“For the next few days, make Sweet Salone your home,” Bah told delegates. “Speak freely, learn from one another, and make freedom, information and truth stronger together.”
The ICIC+IDUAI 2026 conference continues in Lungi through 30 September, providing a platform for global and national stakeholders to exchange experiences and explore practical approaches to strengthening access to information and information integrity in a rapidly changing digital environment.
