Experts from free expression and civil society communities will join ARTICLE 19 in an event to mark the United Nations General Assembly’s first special session on corruption (UNGASS) on Friday, 4 June 2021 at 2pm EST (7 pm BST, 8 pm CEST). Panellists will emphasise the importance of protecting journalists in the fight against corruption and efforts to realise Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The panel will examine public access to information as an enabler for corruption prevention and enforcement and how important it is for journalists and civil society organisations be able to effectively operate and therefore improve implementation of the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) and the SDGs.
Under the convention, Member States are called on to enhance civic space, protect civil society organisations and journalists working on anti-corruption initiatives, and commit to improving public access to information and transparency.
Panellists from civil society, the Open Government Partnership (OGP) and UNESCO will discuss how to implement those commitments and monitor their OGP and SDG national processes.
David Banisar, Senior Legal Counsel at ARTICLE 19, will moderate the discussion, which will highlight synergies between UNCAC and SDG 16.10, which seeks to:
“Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels.”
The panel discussion will further highlight that supporting anti-corruption work and those who initiate it also creates a healthy environment for SDGs to be implemented and to thrive.
Moderator: David Banisar, Senior Legal Counsel, ARTICLE 19
Panelists:
- Helen Darbishire, Executive Director, Access Info Europe, OGP Civil Society Steering Committee Member
- Stephanie Muchai, OGP Civil Society Steering Committee Member, Kenya
- Guilherme Canela De Souza Godoi, Chief of Section, Freedom of Expression and Safety of Journalists, UNESCO
- Jaco Du Toit, Chief of Section, Universal Access to Information, UNESCO
Agenda:
2pm Welcome and Introduction
2:10-2:50 Panel discussion
2:50 Discussion and Questions
3:00pm Final remarks and close
Registration link:
https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_h09HHSJfS1-j9ODKb2jPDw
For more information, please contact Ilaria Fevola, [email protected]