ICOM to Host First National Right to Information Symposium in the Maldives

The Information Commissioner’s Office of the Maldives (ICOM), in partnership with UNDP Maldives, is set to host the Maldives’ first National Right to Information (RTI) Symposium on August 17 and 18.

The two-day symposium will be held at Manhattan Business Hotel, Male’, and will bring together stakeholders to discuss transparency, accountability, digital governance, data protection and the implementation of the RTI framework.

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The ICO is scheduled to launch its Strategic Plan 2026–2031 during the symposium. The plan focuses on strengthening transparency and accountability, advancing digital transformation through initiatives including the Mahoali Portal and Case Management System, and building institutional capacity.

The ICO will also launch digital RTI training e-modules hosted on the Kiyeveni portal. The modules will cover RTI implementation, proactive and reactive disclosure, and exemptions, with English subtitles, Dhivehi audio descriptions and sign language interpretation.

The first day will feature sessions on digital governance, state-owned enterprises, information officers, local councils and data privacy, while the second day will focus on open government, international RTI practices, disability inclusion, data protection, and the role of the media and civil society.

The symposium is being organised with support from the European Union through the AIM Project and UNDP Funding Windows, with contributions from Denmark, Luxembourg and the Republic of Korea.