A historic change
According to the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), transparency and access to information, along with proper public communication, are key pillars for strengthening trust between institutions and citizens. In this context, the IDB has taken a historic step by approving its new Access to Information Policy in June 2024, which will take effect on September 1, 2025. A structural principle of the new Policy is that all information in the Bank’s possession is public by default, with limited exceptions to disclosure.
In a region where 25 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean have public information access laws, the IDB reinforces its commitment to transparency by updating and deepening its Access to Information Policy, positioning itself at the forefront of international financial institutions.
Why change the policy if the IDB as already reached second place in the 2024 Aid Transparency Index?
This achievement, resulting from the current policy, reflects significant advances in transparency and accountability. However, although the IDB holds a prominent position, continuing to advance in this direction is key to consolidating its role as a regional leader, increasing the effectiveness of its operations, and fostering collaboration among development actors in Latin America and the Caribbean. It’s not just about institutional commitment, but a commitment to more inclusive and sustainable development.
What’s new in the Bank’s new access to information policy?
The policy updates rules that had gone unchanged for more than a decade, introducing significant improvements. Among them, access to information is recognized as a fundamental human right, the anonymization of the requester when asking for information, and strengthening of accessible formats and information availability in relevant languages (according to the geographic area where projects are executed). Additionally, it establishes the use of a harm versus benefit analysis (harm test) to determine information disclosure, with greater emphasis on proactive disclosure, a structured process to analyze the public interest (positive override), and a more robust review and appeal system for denials of information requests. Proactive disclosure is part of the principle of maximum access established by the Access to Information Policy and from which the Bank reaffirms its commitment to disclose information without the need for public requests or requirements, facilitating access in a simple and broad manner through the use of all practical means, promoting meaningful engagement from stakeholders.
All these innovations are part of the IDB’s strategic work aimed at aligning its policies with the purpose to achieve more efficient results in its interventions, such as the Environmental and Social Policy Framework (ESPF) and the IDB Group Policy on Personal Data Privacy.
This is a deep transformation. The right to access the Bank’s information is strengthened, requiring explanation in cases where confidentiality exists. In simple terms, access and transparency are the default rule, while confidentiality is the exception.
Another significant change is the priority given to disclosing information about environmental and social risks and impacts of certain projects financed by the IDB. This transparency is important for potentially affected communities, as it allows the members of said communities to be informed of possible impacts and participate in decisions that directly affect their lives and environment. For example, if the IDB finances a project in your region, you will be able to access key information about its effects and contribute to the decision-making process.
Who Participated in Developing the New Policy?
Co-creation processes driven by initiatives such as the Open Government Partnership have transformed citizen participation. It is no longer enough to hold workshops and listen to opinions, without assimilating them for decision-making. The IDB’s new Access to Information Policy is an example of how participation can be authentic, impactful, and inclusive.
The policy design was not a unilateral Bank decision. In 2022, more than 5,000 civil society organizations were invited to participate, and in-person public consultations were held in Colombia, Costa Rica, the United States, Jamaica, and Uruguay. In 2024, this process was complemented by the comments received from the public and civil society organizations on the final version of the Policy proposal. On this last round for participation 156 comments were received and all of which were documented and answered. When a suggestion was incorporated, it was indicated in which part of the Policy it was reflected.
This process not only strengthened the Policy with input from communities throughout the region but demonstrated that transparency and accountability begin with how decisions are made. Genuine participation is more than a formality; it’s a key tool for ensuring that policies reflect the needs and voices of impacted communities.
What’s Next?
For the implementation of the new Access to Information Policy, the IDB will develop guidelines to put the Policy into practice, for which it will continue working closely with civil society organizations and the public. The objective is clear: making access to information an effective right. By establishing this “right to know” as a fundamental principle, the IDB facilitates the timely disclosure of information, generating a greater impact on people’s lives and strengthening the region’s trust in the Bank as a strategic partner for development.
Want to know more or request information? Visit the IDB’s Access to Information website
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