73988 REGIONAL DIALOGUE Advancing Access to Information in MNA: Supporting Coalitions & Networks Newsletter Issue No. 3 June 2012 INSIDE:  Summary of Video Conference #3 (May 29, 2012)  INTERVIEW: Advancing a Regional Agenda on Access to Information: The experience of Latin America, with Karina Banfi and Moises Sánchez from Alianza Regional  IN FOCUS: Building a Coalition to Bolster the Right to Know in Mexico by Tania Sanchez- Andrade  The RTA Network: A Community of Practice of Access to Information & Transparency Oversight Bodies in Latin America  EVENTS: Summary of upcoming events and activities in the region Supported by World Bank (World Bank Institute and Middle East and North Africa Social Development Department) Newsletter Issue No. 3: Regional Dialogue on Supporting Coalitions and June 2012 Networking to Advance Access to Information in the MENA region ATI-MNA NEWSLETTER, THIRD ISSUE! This newsletter is a publication of the “Regional Dialogue on countries, and learn about putting ATI into policy and Supporting Coalitions and Networking to Advance Access to practice. Information in MENA,� which supports the exchange of knowledge and information on Access to Information (ATI) In this edition of the ATI Newsletter, we have focused on two among stakeholders from Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco and key approaches to strengthening capacities through Tunisia. Knowledge Exchange (KE) is an important element knowledge exchanges: coalition building and networking. for advancing ATI legislation and its implementation through We present experiences from the Latin America region to the transfer of best practices and lessons learned. KE help inform current processes in the MENA region. The Third facilitates connections among practitioners and builds Video Conference, “Early Implementation of an ATI Regime: mutual understanding, shared values and behaviors. KE thus Challenges and Lessons Learned � is also summarized. encourages cooperative action that in turn contributes to advancing legal and policy reforms. The Dialogue offers other online resources in Arabic and English. You can find other materials and news on the KE on ATI in the MENA region can help diverse stakeholders initiative’s Facebook page. Please like the page, add it to understand each other’s perspectives, as well as come your subscription list and share your content with us. together around common challenges, experiences, and practices. To be successful, reforms must be implemented During the past month, we have received valuable feedback collaboratively; this requires changes in both government from readers which we have incorporated into the and citizen mindsets. Thus, multi-stakeholder dialogue and newsletter. We welcome any further comments, questions learning supports the reform process. In this vein, this and information you wish to share. Finally, we would like to newsletter is meant to provide a space for the exchange of thank practitioners and organizations that are sharing the information. Here, coalitions working toward effective ATI in ATI-MNA Newsletter on your websites and e-mail lists. the MENA region can broadly disseminate their work, keep Please continue to share the Newsletter; we invite all others abreast of recent developments related to ATI in their to share it as well. To share your articles, information about future events or suggestions, please e-mail: saadfi21@hotmail.com Or share your content on our Facebook page: http://on.fb.me/ITq76A See earlier issues of the newsletter in English or in Arabic Newsletter Issue No. 3: Regional Dialogue on Supporting Coalitions and June 2012 Networking to Advance Access to Information in the MENA region SUMMARY OF VIDEOCONFERENCE #3 - MAY 29, 2012 “EARLY IMPLEMENTATION OF AN ATI REGIME: CHALLENGES AND LESSONS LEARNED� The third video conference of the Regional Dialogue, held serve as Secretariat of the implementation coordination on May 29, 2012, focused on the early steps for committee, and can coordinate an information officers’ implementation of Access to Information (ATI) legislation. network. Carole Excell,1 Senior Associate at the World Resources Institute, provided a brief overview of challenges and Either a phased or wholesale approach can work for lessons learned from different international experiences. bringing public agencies on board. In Jamaica, the ATI law came into effect for different ministries at different times, Excell argued that “the execution of the law is equally or whereas in the Cayman Islands, all ministries launched more important than its adoption.� Lacking an effective implementation of the law at the same time. implementation process that has been planned in advance, ATI laws run the risk of remaining on the books without Comprehensive and sustained training of all public officials being put into practice. This failure to live up to should be accompanied by peer learning and the creation expectations may result from a lack of resources, capacity, of a network of information officers. Training can also be or leadership, among other reasons. subsequently incorporated into the curricula of institutes for public administration. Capacity building programs for What is the best way to effectively implement a new the effective implementation of the law need to target Access to Information law? Successful implementation demand side actors as well. needs a carefully formulated strategy. A clear vision - outlining both the current state of affairs and the road ahead - is crucial. Excell recommended five key implementation activities: 1. Setting up an ATI implementation unit 2. Setting up a ATI coordination committee across public administration 3. Launching the implementation process 4. Conducting a baseline assessment on records management and ATI The World Bank office in Beirut, Lebanon, May 29, 2012 5. Developing a written implementation plan Public education is also important, both raising the The main responsibilities of the ATI implementation unit, awareness about ATI among the general public, as well as she explained, are as monitoring and identifying targeting specific groups, such as the media. Specific shortcomings in implementation, promoting good tactics to help shift a country from a culture of secrecy to a practices, preparing guidelines, and outlining standard culture of openness include public events such as Sunshine procedures for processing requests (including developing Week, and offering awards for activities that embody the templates for request forms). Additionally, the ATI unit can principles of transparency. 1 Carole Excell is a freedom of information and environmental governance exper t with mor e than 12 years of professional Excell emphasized the central role that civil society must development experience. She has worked in the Caribbean, play in to foster a culture that supports ATI. Civil society Africa and parts of Asia, on promoting the right of access to can engage with government through both formal and information and environmental rights. Newsletter Issue No. 3: Regional Dialogue on Supporting Coalitions and June 2012 Networking to Advance Access to Information in the MENA region informal mechanisms, such as awareness raising, using the law, and monitoring its implementation. Finally, she stressed the importance of formal monitoring and reporting as critical factors for the success of ATI law implementation. Government and civil society need to collaborate to effectively implement ATI. ** After the presentation, Excell engaged in a discussion with The World Bank office in Tunis, Tunisia, May 29, 2012 the other participants. to react by submitting its own ATI bill while sparking In response to a query about enforcement, Excell discussion about the content of the different bills. In the cautioned, “it is important to think through public service instances where the constitutional right to information disciplinary sanction processes,� in cases where already exists, civil society has used litigation to demand governments do not comply with ATI effective ATI. law. Sanction regimes vary from 5 key activities for implementing ATI law : administrative sanctions (including The international arena also dismissal) to financial and even Setting up an ATI implementation unit presents opportunities for civil criminal sanctions. In India, for advocacy efforts. Civil society example, agencies are mandated to Setting up a ATI coordination committee can introduce the issue of ATI to pay associated costs to the requester. across public administration international forums to Any sanctions system, she Launching the implementation process encourage productive discussion emphasized, should be balanced by among regional bodies. Another incentives to encourage people to Conducting a baseline assessment on advocacy tactic is to promote properly implement the law. For records management and ATI healthy competition among example, granting awards to top countries in the same region; performing agencies has helped to Developing a written implementation plan thus progress in one country can build a culture of openness in prompt others to move forward. agencies in Mexico, Bulgaria and Global multistakeholder South Africa. initiatives focused on transparency and accountability Another participant asked: “What issues, such as the Open advocacy strategies does civil society Government Partnership, can be use ?� Excell explained that different another point of entry. countries use different strategies. For example, in some countries CSOs have used elections as an opportune Participants also raised the issue of monitoring ATI moment to try to get buy-in from political candidates implementation. As with all public policy, Excell said, it is running for office; a public commitment by the candidate crucial to monitor and measure implementation in order to helps to strengthen the advocacy campaign. Another identify the areas where improvement is needed. common strategy is to persuade an MP to submit an ATI Practitioners around the world are currently developing bill drafted by civil society. This action compels government Newsletter Issue No. 3: Regional Dialogue on Supporting Coalitions and June 2012 Networking to Advance Access to Information in the MENA region different methodologies to assess the effectiveness of ATI regimes. Given the complexities of ATI implementation, it is important to measure progress both quantitatively and qualitatively. Finally, a question about whether or not Parliament is covered under ATI laws was discussed. While initial efforts usually focus on opening up the Executive branch, Excell emphasized that broadening the reach of ATI to the other branches, particularly Parliament, is also important. ATI legislation should be complemented with participatory lawmaking to make the Legislative branch more open and The World Bank office in Rabat, Morocco, May 29, 2012 transparent. Key Messages from VC #3 Critical factors in the success of an ATI law:  An effective implementation process  Setting up an ATI Steering Committee comprised of various government agencies  Establishing an ATI implementation unit to serve as the SC secretariat and jumpstart the process  Collaboration between government and civil society on ATI implementation INTERVIEW: KARINA BANFI & MOISES S�NCHEZ ADVANCING A REGIONAL AGENDA ON ATI: ALIANZA REGIONAL PARA LA LIBERTAD DE EXPRESIÓN Y ACCESO A LA INFORMACIÓN Latin America’s Alianza Regional para la Libertad de and challenges of fostering effective ATI through Expresión y Acceso a la Información ( Regional Alliance regional networks. for Freedom of Expression and Access to Information) is a regional network of 24 NGOs from Latin America that Q: Why was the Alianza Regional created? promotes Access to Information (ATI) in the region. We spoke with Karina Banfi and Moises Sánchez,2members A: The Alianza Regional was created in 2005 as a of the Alianza Regional , to better understand the benefits program within the Trust for the Americas, an NGO affiliated with the Organization of American States. Our mission initially was to draw on the experience of 2 Mexico facilitate knowledge exchange and capacity Karina Banfi is Secretary General of the Alianza Regional, and Moises Sánchez is Executive Director of ProAcceso Chile, Chilean building for journalists from Central America on NGO member of the Alianza Regional Newsletter Issue No. 3: Regional Dialogue on Supporting Coalitions and June 2012 Networking to Advance Access to Information in the MENA region information-related issues. In a landmark decision in Q: What is the governance process of the Alianza 2007, the Inter-American Human Rights Court Regional and how has it evolved? recognized ATI as a human right in the case of Claude Reyes vs. Chile, and our agenda shifted to focus on A: Initially the Alianza Regional was coordinated by one promoting the adoption of ATI legislation across the NGO, the Trust for the Americas. Members interacted entire region. with each other, which generated trust at the beginning. However, as the topic of ATI gained prominence after The Alianza Regional was positioned as the mechanism the Claude Reyes case, and membership increased, to scale up the ATI agenda to the regional level, and this coordination by one NGO became a challenge, is precisely the main benefit for our members. Although particularly in separating the NGO’s own agenda from the Alianza Regional has developed various products, that of the Alianza Regional. Instead, a Concejo such as reports on the status of ATI in the region, its Consultivo (Advisory Council), made up of international principal value lies in its contribution to an emerging experts who were leading NGO members of the Alianza common agenda. The Alianza Regional serves as a Regional took over as the governance structure. This platform for bringing local issues to regional venues and new model helped transition the organization from a exploring solutions collaboratively at the regional level. NGO-led program, to a network of NGOs. Challenges remained, as the Council’s agenda and the agenda of the Q: What role has the Alianza Regional played in members were not always aligned. Currently, the promoting ATI in the region? governance of the Alianza Regional is comprised of a General Secretariat and various subcommittees. A: The Alianza Regional has been instrumental in fostering consensus among NGOs from different Q: How is decision-making undertaken within the countries and disseminating our collective agenda at Alianza Regional ? international events. For example, we have participated in the OAS General Assembly, regional meetings such as A: Decision-making is based upon dialogue and the Carter Center ATI Conference in 2009, and the OAS consensus. There are no decisions made by voting. In process to develop a regional ATI model law. At these networks, it is critically important to operate on the events, members of the Alianza Regional present a principal of win-win, where all members benefit and no unified position regarding ATI issues. one feels left out. When objections are raised, the Secretariat engages in extensive dialogue to illustrate Further, the Alianza Regional has facilitated knowledge the benefits of a decision to its members and exchange activities not only to build skills and abilities, understand their concerns. Good communication with but also to generate trust among our members. members is a critical priority for the Secretariat. The Alianza Regional closely monitors the local situation Q: So what are the main communication tools? throughout the region so we can provide timely support to our members. For example, we brought expert A: We say communication is the blood of the Alianza members of the Alianza Regional for consultations on Regional. Since our members are geographically the drafting of the ATI Law in El Salvador, to strengthen dispersed, email has become the main tool for the advocacy work of the local member organization. communication. We send general emails to all members, as well as more targeted ones, depending on Newsletter Issue No. 3: Regional Dialogue on Supporting Coalitions and June 2012 Networking to Advance Access to Information in the MENA region the issues we are addressing. However, the Secretariat is members perceive that tensions may become aware that members are quite busy with their everyday irreconcilable, they become disengaged. The Secretariat work, so response to emails can be limited. If needed, must find ways for the regional agenda to strengthen the Secretariat follows up by phone. This is particularly the local agendas of its members. In general, when important when there are issues that require timely working at the regional level, it is sometimes challenging response; for instance, recently the Alianza Regional to accommodate to the needs of all members. coordinated its stance concerning the Open Government Partnership under a tight deadline. Another important challenge has been how to convey the achievements and results of the network, Face-to-face interaction is also important, and we meet particularly since we are process-oriented. Conveying during different relevant regional and international our successes to other NGOs, donors, and other events. stakeholders is somewhat difficult. Q: What have been the main challenges the Alianza For the Alianza Regional, finding the right governance Regional has faced? What strategies did you adopt to model was also an important challenge. However, this overcome them? was part of a learning process that ultimately helped strengthen the Alianza Regional. A: So far, the main challenge has been managing the tension between local and regional agendas. The role of Finally, perhaps surprisingly, resources have not been a the Alianza Regional has been to foster the emergence major issue for the Alianza Regional. Member of a regional agenda, but each member has its own local organizations contribute sufficient resources for our agenda, which for the member has priority over the operations, mostly in-kind. regional agenda. The Secretariat must be constantly aware of this and try to mitigate potential tensions between local and regional work, because the moment BUILDING A COALITION TO BOLSTER THE RIGHT TO KNOW IN MEXICO: THE COLLECTIVE FOR TRANSPARENCY to access information. It serves as a platform for reflection Tania Sánchez Andrade1 and action to advance the improvement of the access to information regulatory framework and its effective What is the Collective for Transparency? implementation. The Collective promotes a “right to know� culture, building the conditions that deepen The Collective for Transparency ( El Colectivo por la democracy, strengthen civic engagement and increase the Transparencia) is a coalition of civil society organizations quality of life.2 that champions transparency, accountability and the right 1 Tania Sánchez Andrade led the Transparency Program at Fundar 2 (from 2004 to 2006). In that capacity, she served as coordinator See Colectivo por la Transparencia at of the Collective for Transparency for the same period. http://www.mexicotransparente.org.mx/quees.html Newsletter Issue No. 3: Regional Dialogue on Supporting Coalitions and June 2012 Networking to Advance Access to Information in the MENA region Started at the end of 2004 by a group of six organizations, assessments and demands to authorities are backed and the Collective was born after the enactment and initial endorsed by a larger group of reputable organizations. implementation of the Federal Transparency and Access to Government Public Information Law (hereafter, the The Collective publishes a bi-monthly bulletin and Transparency Law). The 2002 enactment of the maintains a website; conducts ATI trainings; produces Transparency Law resulted from an intense deliberative materials to promote the use of the ATI mechanisms; process, in which civil society, academics and the media — collaborates in organizing a transparency fair in Mexico newspapers in particular — played an important role. The City, and organizes conferences. Also, the Collective organizations that would later form the Collective saw the actively engaged in the deliberative process that led to a need to coordinate and closely monitor the constitutional reform establishing a set of standards for implementation of the new Law. They also sought to citizens in every Mexican state to exercise their right to disseminate the benefits of exercising of the right to know access information. throughout society, to strengthen civil society’s demand Moreover, the Collective is a permanent watchdog for the for access to information. right to ATI and the system that was set up to guarantee this right. When particular threats to this right have arisen Currently, the Collective is made up of eleven – such as attempts to introduce damaging legal reforms – organizations.3 Their agendas are diverse (including the Collective has responded through public statements political rights, freedom of information, budget monitoring, and other advocacy activities. The Collective also closely environmental rights, social accountability, community scrutinizes the appointment of information commissioners, development, and others). What brings them together is demanding that the candidates both meet the highest the commitment to advancing transparency and access to standards of expertise and are proven to be autonomous information as a core component of their own struggles. from government. Indeed, given the key role that the Throughout the development of their projects, each Information Commission plays in safeguarding the ATI organization relies upon the right to access information; regime and in promoting transparency policies and their experience informs the Collective’s mission. practices, the Collective focuses on protecting its autonomy, and to generating the conditions for its optimal Thus, each organization brings in firsthand knowledge of operation. the state of ATI in their respective fields, along with connections to distinct sets of networks. As a coalition, Governance mechanisms they map a broader picture of the state of ATI, identify and address the main challenges, and speak with a stronger To facilitate joint work, the Collective has established a voice. Being part of the Collective lets members learn and one-year rotating coordination under the responsibility of share experiences, and even more important, increases one of the member organizations, elected by all members. their political capital. Each individual member’s The Coordination is responsible for convening monthly meetings and following up on agreements; monitoring the 3 The member organizations are Alianza Cívica, Artículo 19, implementation of the general annual operational plan; Centro Mexicano de Derecho Ambiental, Ciudadanos en Medios organizing urgent response actions; editing the bi-monthly Democracia e Información, Cultura Ecológica, DECA- Equipo bulletin; managing the fund for advocacy activities; and, of Pueblo, Fundar-Centro de Análisis e Investigación, Gestión Social particular importance, publicly representing the Collective y Cooperación GESOC, ONG Contraloría Ci udadana para la Rendición de Cuentas, Presencia Ciudadana Mexicana, and (unless an event calls for the specific expertise of a Sonora Ciudadana. member organization). Newsletter Issue No. 3: Regional Dialogue on Supporting Coalitions and June 2012 Networking to Advance Access to Information in the MENA region the political representation of the Collective, and internal Generally, decisions are made by consensus. But the scope and external communications. of decisions that need to be made throughout the year is Moreover, the Collective has had to address other limited, since the Collective engages in regular strategic planning — facilitated by professionals — to agree on challenges that require political sensitivity and savvy on the priorities and objectives. A yearly operational plan is put in part of both the Coordinator and the member place, determining the Collective’s main activities. To organizations. For example, member organizations vary promote rapid response, the Collective has agreed on clear widely in terms of size, capacity, and what they are able to contribute to the coalition. Thus some organizations within and simple rules for issuing public statements. For example, for an urgent request for the endorsement of a the Collective have been more visible than others, and statement, there is a 24 hour time frame for members to some less visible organizations have felt they are not respond, and an agreement that a 50% + 1 positive getting the recognition they deserve. response is all that is needed for the Collective’s To meet this challenge, the stronger organizations and the endorsement. Coordinator openly discuss and carefully consider when to credit individual organizations vs. when to credit the Additionally, internal committees have been set up to carry out substantive work. Currently, three committees address Collective. Ultimately, the objective is to strengthen the regulatory framework and litigation, implementation, and Collective’s position and capacity and advance its own agenda to the point that it does not need to rely on the communications strategy. political capital of individual member organizations. The Collective is not a legally constituted entity; thus, finances are managed by the organization that is In this vein, another major challenge has been for member coordinating in any given year. The amount of funds the organizations to prioritize a shared transparency agenda Collective has raised has varied widely throughout the over any individual benefit they might receive from years. In the early years, the initiative was supported by a participating in the Collective. grant from the Hewlett Foundation. The grant funded research and training activities in each organization, as well After its first five years, the Collective embarked on an as a series of joint activities. In later years, even though the evaluation exercise, in which it identified several indicators Collective did not receive additional grants, it continued its of success: regular meetings and strategic campaigns. Recently, the  The mere fact that the Collective continues Collective was the recipient of a grant supporting advocacy operating; activities from the Open Society Foundation.  The orderly shifting of coordination duties from one organization to the other from year to year; Challenges and organizational learning  An efficient membership process (some organizations may leave and others can join The Collective’s current mode of governance is the result of without disrupting Collective activities); a process of organizational learning throughout the years.  The Collective is increasingly being recognized as During the early stages, the Collective’s priorities and an important contributor to the debate of the strategies were clear. The main challenges had to do with transparency and ATI agenda. governance: establishing ground rules for decision-making, The Collective’s contribution is clearly visible in its participation in Mexico City’s Round Tables for Newsletter Issue No. 3: Regional Dialogue on Supporting Coalitions and June 2012 Networking to Advance Access to Information in the MENA region Transparency. The Collective has helped shape this institutionalized mechanism, which has clear guidelines, includes high level actors, and has a clear role in defining the type and format of information that the government of Mexico City makes available. Video: Fostering Collective Impact in Mexico http://www.hewlett.org/newsroom/news/video-fostering- collective-impact A COMMUNITY OF PRACTICE OF ACCESS TO INFORMATION AND TRANSPARENCY OVERSIGHT BODIES: LATIN AMERICA’S RTA NETWORK The role of access to information (ATI) and transparency experiences. After a cooperative agreement was signed, oversight bodies has gained increasing significance as the initial meetings were held (September 2011 in Mexico City, public attention moves increasingly away from enacting ATI and April 2012 in Santiago de Chile), and the RTA Network and transparency legislation on to its implementation. has become an independent network fully governed by its There is a broad need for know-how about effective members. At the last meeting, the network approved implementation, and the community of oversight bodies membership rules and processes, and appointed the represents a critical source of knowledge. Networks can presidency and executive secretariat for the next three promote exchange of knowledge and experiences on ATI years. implementation amongst oversight bodies from different regions and countries that face similar challenges and The RTA Network’s founding members include Chile’s opportunities. Networks can also serve as platforms for Council for Transparency; Mexico’s Federal Institute of cooperation and for strengthening members’ capacities. Access to Information and Data Protection; Peru’s Ombudsman Office; Uruguay’s Unit of Access to An emerging regional mechanism for knowledge exchange Information; and Bolivia’s Ministry of Transparency and in this area is the Network of Access to Information and Anticorruption. Recently, Brazil’s General Comptroller’s Transparency Oversight Bodies (RTA Network, by its Office (Ombudsman) became a full member and Santa Fe Spanish name), which has support from a World Bank IDF Provincial Directorate for Transparency and Anticorruption grant. The network was established in April 2011, building (Argentina) became an associate member. upon a World Bank Institute-supported knowledge exchange between Mexico and Chile’s oversight bodies. The network uses on an online platform (www.redrta.org) The Network seeks to generate a regular space for to share information, hold online discussions, and conduct dialogue, cooperation, and sharing knowledge and collaborative work. Four thematic working groups focus on Newsletter Issue No. 3: Regional Dialogue on Supporting Coalitions and June 2012 Networking to Advance Access to Information in the MENA region jurisprudence; indicators; training and dissemination; and records. The working groups are developing a database of Members are currently developing a multi-year action plan jurisprudence and administrative criteria, and conducting for consolidating the network and strengthening an assessment on the gaps between laws and regulations knowledge exchange. Activities envisioned for the near and actual practice in member countries. The network future include: produces a weekly newsletter (including two special issues  Improving the network’s virtual platform on open government), has presented at the International  Conducting VC and face-to-face workshops and Conference of Information Commissioners (Canada, seminars to share experiences and enhance the October 2011), and has conducted an assessment of operation of the working groups, member capacity and needs. Furthermore, the RTA  Setting up new working groups on relevant Network has developed knowledge exchanges between themes such as ICTs, member countries, including a workshop held in Uruguay  Undertaking work related to the OAS’ model law (2011), a Chile study tour for a Brazilian Delegation (2012), on ATI and an exchange workshop between Chile and Peru (2012).  Contributing to the OGP by producing a document Also, the Network is exploring potential opportunities with on the role of ATI oversight bodies in the initiative. the Alianza Regional to collaborate with other civil society networks in Latin America. EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES IN THE REGION Past Events 2012 Social Accountability Grant Competition Sponsored Adel Beznine, country coordinator for Tunisia in this by the World Bank Sustainable Development Network, Regional Dialogue presented on how Tunisia is approaching May 22, 2012 the open government agenda. He explained incipient initiatives and reform measures, and elaborated on the The 2012 Civil Society Fund focused on the theme of Social challenges and opportunities. Accountability, meaning the engagement of citizens and CSOs with policy makers and service providers to ensure that public officials take responsibility for their actions, and that public institutions are responsive to citizens’ needs. It was open to CSOs working on issues related to Social Accountability in select countries in Africa and Middle East/North Africa. The 21 grant winners include 2 from Egypt, 5 from Morocco and 1 from Tunisia. Open Data, Open Government course at the World Bank in Washington, DC. May 10, 2012 Adel Beznine presenting at The World Bank in Washington DC, May 10, 2012 Newsletter Issue No. 3: Regional Dialogue on Supporting Coalitions and June 2012 Networking to Advance Access to Information in the MENA region Upcoming Events Sustainable Development Governance Conference: “Open 2012 Regional Multistakeholder Symposium: “Improving Dialogue on the Future We Choose ,� June 19, 2012, Rio de Health Systems through Better Governance and Social Janeiro, Brazil Accountability,� June 8-9, 2012, Tunis, Tunisia Rio+20 provides an opportunity for a re-invigorated The MENA Health Policy Forum in collaboration with the commitment to a new institutional framework for World Bank is organizing a symposium that aims to sustainable development. The Access Initiative, the United improve governance of health systems in the MENA region Nations Environment Programme, Fundacion Getulio through: aligning research and policy agendas; Vargas in Brazil, Article 19, United Nations Institute for empowering key decision-makers across sectors to foster Training and Research, International Network for innovative ways of collaborating for transformational Environmental Compliance and Enforcement, European change; and supporting regional and national cross- Environment Agency, and others are organizing a one day sectoral alliances to increase transparency and Sustainable Development Governance Conference to accountability. The symposium will include explore ways of strengthening governance mechanisms, at multistakeholder dialogues, talks that illuminate diverse national and regional levels, to improve the institutional national perspectives, information exchange and framework for sustainable development. The meeting will knowledge sharing, and networking. Policy makers, civil convene approximately 250 people from around the world, society organizations, academics and researchers, private representing governments, ATI partners, regional and sector and the media from around the MENA region will international institutions, civil society, media, academia, attend the event. and the private sector. For more information, go to: http://www.accessinitiative.org/. Northern Africa Sub-Regional Consultation on the Draft Model Law for African Union Member States on Access to Information, June 16-17, 2012, Tunis, Tunisia Other Resources This regional event is organized by Commissioner Pansy Tlakula, the Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression Freedominfo: Why Egypt needs a FOI Law: http://www.freedominfo.org/2012/06/to-stop-corruption- and Access to Information in Africa, in partnership with the Center for Human Rights, University of Pretoria, South egypt-needs-a-freedom-of-information-law/ Africa and UNESCO. Freedominfo: Tunisian Government’s new directives to regulate public access to government information: World Bank regional workshop on “Transitions and http://www.freedominfo.org/2012/05/directive-in-tunisia- Improving Development Effectiveness-Relevance of to-facilitate-publishing-of-government-data/ Transparency, Accountability and Participation,� Rabat, Morocco, June 18-20, 2012. Newsletter Issue No. 3: Regional Dialogue on Supporting Coalitions and June 2012 Networking to Advance Access to Information in the MENA region Regional Dialogue on CONTACTS Supporting Coalitions and Networking to World Bank MNA Vice-presidency, Advance ATI in MNA Social Development Department: One of the key pillars of the World Bank’s (WB) support in Mariana Felicio – mfelicio@worldbank.org the Middle East and North Africa region consists of strengthening the governance framework, working with Najat Yamouri – nyamouri@worldbank.org both State and non-State actors. Efforts with non-State actors focus principally on opening government to the World Bank Institute people, while strengthening the capacities of these actors Marcos Mendiburu - to enhance transparency, public participation, and mmendiburu@worldbank.org accountability. Luis Esquivel - lesquivel@worldbank.org In this context, the WB is supporting The Affiliated Network for Social Accountability – Arab World (ANSA- Affiliated Network for Social Accountability- AW). ANSA-AW is a platform for constructive dialogue and Arab World knowledge exchanges on transparency and social Noura Wahby - nwahby@egypt.care.org accountability issues across multiple stakeholders. As part of its activities, ANSA-AW has held various regional workshops and consultations where access to information JORDAN - Amman Center for (ATI) emerged as a priority among participating countries. Human Rights Studies To strengthen the capacities of stakeholders in the region Yahia Shukkeir & Nizam Assaf – to advance ATI reforms, the World Bank Institute and the achrs@achrs.org Social Development Department at the World Bank’s Middle East and North Africa Vice-presidency, in LEBANON - The Lebanese partnership with ANSA-AW are supporting the emergence Transparency Association of a regional community of practice focused on ATI issues Imad Mhanna - through facilitating the Regional Dialogue on Supporting Coalitions and Networking to Advance ATI in MNA. In this imhanna@transparency-lebanon.org first stage, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco and Tunisia are Dany Haddad - dhaddad@transparency-lebanon.org participating; the second stage will bring opportunities to expand the Dialogue to other countries. Additionally, WB MOROCCO - Transparency Maroc will support multistakeholder coalitions in participating Amine Chafai Alaoui - countries. International experience demonstrates that tmaction@transparencymaroc.ma multistakeholder coalitions have been key in sparking the demand for ATI while engaging with government in the drafting and passing of ATI laws. These coalitions can also play a crucial role in supporting effective implementation TUNISIA - Association Tunisienne des of ATI legislation. Furthermore, knowledge exchanges Libertés Numériques through the Regional Dialogue will contribute to Adel Beznine – abeznine@gmail.com strengthen the capacity of country coalitions. The Regional Dialogue consists of a series of knowledge exchanges through videoconferences, as well as in-country Regional coordination - Transparency Maroc sessions aimed at practitioners from both the supply and Saad Filali Meknassi – saadfi21@hotmail.com demand sides of ATI: civil society practitioners, journalists, academia, government officials, MPs, etc.