"The Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) regards this brochure as a document for discussion and orientation on the growing importance of information – and especially access to information – in international development cooperation. This document seeks to establish a framework for ... stimulating activities in this domain. It is also a contribution from SDC to the wider debate on access to information as one of the essential components of governance." (Introduction, page 4) more

"The first section provides summary information on 69 UNDP supported projects and initiatives as of 2002/03. These initiatives were identified primarily by desk research from three main sources: (i) direct feedback from the Sub-Regional Resource Facilities (SURFs)2), the COs and Regional Bureaux, (i ... i) scanning of UNDP intranet databases and internal reporting systems especially the data contained in the ROAR3), and (iii) scanning of the internet including CO, SURF and Regional Bureaux websites and general Internet searches [...] The second section provides information on more than 100 international organizations actively working on Access to Information issues. The majority of these organizations work with developing countries to promote freedom of expression and information. They were identified through (i) internet and literature searches (ii) direct feedback from country offices, regional bureaux and SURFs and (iii) referrals from within and outside UNDP." (Page 6) more

"Implementation of the rights to freedom of expression and to access information are prerequisites for ensuring the voice and participation necessary for a democratic society. Access to information and communication build on these internationally recognized rights and together encompass the core pri ... nciples of democratic governance: participation, transparency and accountability. The promotion and protection of both access to information itself and flows of information that exist between constituents, government, parliament, community groups, civil society organizations and the private sector are of equal importance. It is essential to create and strengthen communication mechanisms that enable poor people to influence national and local government policy and practice." (Executive summary) more