Concept Note
Concept note for the XVI Edition of the International Conference of Information Commissioners (ICIC) 2025
Date and Venue
23 to 25 June 2025, Hotel Adlon Kempinski, Berlin
Event Title
“Access to Environmental Information in a Digital Era”
Background of the ICIC
The International Conference of Information Commissioners (ICIC) is a worldwide annual forum that connects Information Commissioners, Ombudspersons and other bodies in charge of overseeing the implementation of Access to Public Information legislation. Its objective is to foster the protection and the promotion of access to public information as a fundamental pillar to social, economic and democratic governance.
The ICIC's mission is to share knowledge and best practices, to build capacity, to help identify what is needed for global progress and to act as a collective voice in international fora with a view to improving people's right to public information and their ability to hold to account bodies that provide public functions.
Theme of the Conference in 2025
The XVI Edition of the ICIC in 2025 will focus on the increasing importance of comprehensive and low-threshold access to environmental information with particular focus on digital solutions that ensure a global and cross-border access.
The topic of environmental information is an issue of paramount importance for the entire international community and has not yet been a focus of the ICIC. Data on environmental influences and the threats posed by climate change do not end within national borders.
Taking this into consideration, the XVI Edition of the ICIC aims to connect ICIC members, observers and stakeholders, policy makers, academics, media and representatives of civil society on a global scale. The conference will provide a platform to discuss current challenges, innovative solutions and best practices from different countries to improve access to environmental information.
As some ICIC member states lack specific legal frameworks for access to environmental information or an ombudsman function of the respective authorities, the topic of this year’s conference can provide valuable insights. In this context, an evaluation of existing international legal frameworks and agreements that establish and strengthen the right of citizens to access environmental information, public participation in decision-making and access to justice in environmental matters, such as the Aarhus Convention or the Escazú Agreement, will be a central topic of the conference.
Furthermore, the conference aims to explore digital solutions to foster transparency in the environmental sector. In addition to examples and best practices of proactive publication of data in information portals, the conference will highlight strategies regarding open data and the provision of qualitative and easily accessible environmental data.
The event will also specifically highlight the importance of access to environmental information for vulnerable groups. Transparency in the environmental sector can support marginalized groups in holding governments or corporations accountable for actions that harm their health or livelihoods promoting justice and equity.
The ICIC XVI 2025 will highlight the important role of civil society and media in enhancing a broad access to environmental data and creating more awareness for environmental issues. The conference will therefore incorporate the expertise and ideas of non-governmental organisations and journalists from the environmental and freedom of information field in several panel discussions.
Main topics
- Adapting access to environmental information to changing circumstances such as technological progress, shifting political situations and social developments.
- Comparative analyses of international and national legal frameworks on access to environmental information.
- Proactive accessibility of environmental data.
- Digital technologies to improve environmental transparency.
- Strengthening the active participation of citizens, especially marginalized groups.
- Highlighting the important role of civil society and media in environmental policy.
Agenda and structure
The conference will feature an Open Session taking place on 23 – 24 June 2025. It will include panel sessions, parallel sessions, regional meetings and side events.
On 25 June 2025 a Closed Session for members and observers will be held. At the same time a meeting for civil society groups will provide an opportunity to connect and share experience.
Target audience
- ICIC Members and Observers
- ICIC Stakeholders
- Scientists
- International Organisations and NGOs
- Journalists