National RTI Symposium Concludes with Launch of Five-Year Plan and Digital Training Tools

The Maldives’ first National Right to Information Symposium concluded on Tuesday with the launch of a five-year strategic action plan and new digital training modules aimed at strengthening access to information, transparency and accountability.

The two-day symposium, hosted by the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), brought together representatives from government, civil society, media, academia, development partners and information seekers to discuss progress and challenges in implementing the Right to Information Act.

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A key outcome was the launch of the ICO Strategic Action Plan 2026–2031, which outlines a five-year direction for the institution. The plan focuses on promoting a culture of transparency and accountability, advancing digital and technological transformation, and strengthening institutional capacity and partnerships.

The symposium also saw the launch of RTI Training E-Modules, which aim to provide practical knowledge of the RTI framework to public officials and the wider public. The modules will be hosted on the Kiyeveni portal and include English subtitles, Dhivehi audio descriptions and sign language interpretation.

Over the two days, participants discussed digital governance, public service delivery, RTI implementation among state-owned enterprises and local councils, privacy and personal data protection, open government and accessibility. Information Officers, persons with disabilities, media representatives and other RTI users also shared their experiences of accessing and providing public information.

Information Commissioner Ahmed Ahid Rasheed said the symposium reflected the collective efforts of citizens, advocates and institutions involved in advancing the right to information. UNDP Resident Representative Adnan Cheema said strengthening access to information required continued co-operation between public institutions, Information Officers, civil society, the media and citizens.

The symposium was supported by the European Union through the Accountability and Integrity Matters Project and the UNDP Funding Windows, with contributions from Denmark, Luxembourg and the Republic of Korea.