Historic Launch of Right to Information (RTI) Initiative in the Solomon Islands

Photo: UNDP/Daniel Gonzalez. Retrieved from undp.org

In a landmark event, Solomon Islands has seen the official launch of the Right to Information (RTI) initiative. The project is a collaborative effort between the University of The South Pacific (USP) and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) under the Strengthening Anti-Corruption, Transparency and Accountability in Pacific Island Countries – supported by the Government of the United Kingdom.

Access to information is a fundamental human right and a key driver for countries in the achievement of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and in particular SDG Goal 16 that promotes just, peaceful and inclusive societies. Access to information, and both good governance are gaining momentum in the Pacific Island Countries (PICs) through the collaborative efforts of USP and UNDP.

During the launch, Professor Bibhya Sharma of USP explained “the RTI project focuses on innovative digital solutions, including a mobile application, a website, and an RTI digital literacy e-course and arriving to Solomon Islands in its third phase after having been piloted in Fiji, Vanuatu, Tonga and Samoa.”