The Philippines is hosting a major international conference focused on the public’s right to access information, particularly on environmental issues, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said on September 29.
The Global Conference of the International Day for Universal Access to Information (IDUAI) 2025, scheduled for September 29–30, will be co-hosted by the Philippine government and UNESCO and attended by leaders and experts from over 30 countries.
With the theme “Ensuring Access to Environmental Information in the Digital Age,” delegates will discuss how public access to information can improve disaster preparedness, climate action, and environmental justice.
PCO Acting Secretary Dave Gomez said the Philippines is the first Southeast Asian nation to host this specific global conference.
He said this recognizes the country’s commitment to a key United Nations development goal to ensure public access to information.
Gomez emphasized that the right to information is protected by the Philippine Constitution and is carried out through the government’s Freedom of Information (FOI) Program. This program allows citizens to request data on matters of public concern.
He also stated the government’s efforts to expand the FOI program, which include maintaining an online portal for requests, training local governments, and combating misinformation by providing credible public data. — iNewsPH.com
