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Transforming access to information at the IDB 

February 28, 2025 by Marcelo Cerna - Rocío Noriega - Sebastian Spolmann Leave a Comment


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 

 Share your ideas with us in the comment box below 


Filed Under: Knowledge Management Tagged With: Access to Information, Actionable Resources, Citizen Participation

Marcelo Cerna

Marcelo has a bachelor's degree in legal and social sciences from the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, which he earned in 1988, and obtained his law degree in 1990. He also holds a master’s degree in international business law from American University, Washington College of Law (2003), and he has pursued executive leadership studies at Harvard Kennedy School and MIT Sloan School of Management. His professional career has primarily focused on the public sector and public policy, with significant expertise in transparency and access to information issues. In 2018, Marcelo was part of the technical team that developed a new Access to Information Policy for IDB Invest, the private sector arm of the IDB Group. In 2021 he led the technical group responsible for preparing the new Access to Information Policy for the IDB, which was approved by its Executive Board in June 2024. Marcelo has participated as a speaker in several conferences addressing access to information and has moderated discussion panels on this topic. He is also a member of the IFI Working Group on Disclosure Information and Stakeholder Engagement, which includes various multilateral development institutions. From its position, Marcelo seeks to promote a culture of an Open Bank through access to information, reflecting the Inter-American Development Bank's commitment to transparency in its daily work. Before leading the Access to Information Section, Marcelo worked as a lawyer in the Legal Department of the IDB, as well as in the Budget Directorate of the Chilean Ministry of Finance.

Rocío Noriega

Rocío Noriega is a legal expert specializing in access to information, transparency, and anti-corruption initiatives with over 17 years of experience. She currently works with IDB's Access to Information Policy Group. Previously, she advised the Bicameral Transparency Group at Chile's Chamber of Deputies and served as consultant for ECLAC's Observatory of Principle 10 and the Escazú Agreement Secretariat, focusing on environmental information access and justice. Her career includes key roles in shaping transparency policy, including Anti-corruption Project Coordinator at UNDP Chile, technical advisor to the Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission (Engel Commission), and researcher and integrity coordinator at Chile's Chapter of Transparency International. She holds an LL.M. from the University of Texas at Austin, a law degree from Universidad Anahuac del Sur of Mexico, and a Certificate in Economics from the University of Chile.

Sebastian Spolmann

Sebastian Spolmann is a specialist in the Access to Information Section of the Secretary of the Inter-American Development Bank and has coordinated the development of the IDB's New Access to Information Policy. He is also a member of the IFI Working Group on Disclosure Information and Stakeholder Engagement, which includes various multilateral development institutions. He has specialized in public policies, transparency, financing and contracting for the public and private sectors. He previously worked for the Government of Chile as legal chief and lawyer, and as a consultant at the Inter-American Development Bank and the Inter-American Investment Corporation (IDB Invest, the private sector arm of the IDB Group). He has taught, researched and published in regulatory areas, such as antitrust law, construction, infrastructure and public procurement sectors, as well as in corporate, customs and free trade matters. He is a lawyer from the University of Chile, with an LL.M from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and has diplomas and studies in public policies from the University of Chile and the University of Chicago.

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About this blog

Open knowledge can be described as information that is usable, reusable, and shareable without restrictions due to its legal and technological attributes, enabling access for anyone, anywhere, and at any time worldwide.

In the blog 'Abierto al Público,' we explore a wide range of topics, resources, and initiatives related to open knowledge on a global scale, with a specific focus on its impact on economic and social development in the Latin American and Caribbean region. Additionally, we highlight the Inter-American Development Bank's efforts to consistently disseminate actionable open knowledge generated by the organization.

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