International Day for Universal Access to Information 2024  Mainstreaming Access to Information and Participation in Climate Governance
Date: Saturday, September 28, 2024
Venue: Ziarat, Balochistan

Transparency International Pakistan organized a seminar on “Mainstreaming Access to Information and Participation in Climate Governance” on September 26, 2024, in climate vulnerable district, Ziarat, Balochistan. The event marked International Day for Universal Access to Information (IDUAI) 2024 to highlight the significance of Access to Information to Climate Change and was organized in collaboration with a local organization Saroo Environmental Organization.

The overall objective of the seminar was to raise awareness about the recently enacted Balochistan Right to Information Act 2021 and Balochistan Climate Change Policy 2024 and empower local communities, civil society organization with skills to utilize RTI for holding climate action accountable and advocate for improved climate governance through community led social accountability. The seminar was attended by around 60 members of the community, civil society media, youth and government representative departments, and youth.

Mr. Sardar Saleh Muhammad Kakkar, CEO, Saroo Environmental Organization, welcomed the participants and emphasized on the significance of Universal Access to Information Day (IDUAI) 2024, celebrated every year on 28^th September. He highlighted that the day aims to spread awareness on the importance of access to information for strengthening transparency and empowering citizens with the power of information to hold government accountable. He stressed that despite the passage of more than three years to the passage of Balochistan RTI Act 2021, the Balochistan Information Commission, which is the custodian of the RTI law in the province has not been made functional. He also highlighted that Public Information Officers have not been appointed yet in district Ziarat. Mr. Kakar stressed that for improved implementation of RTI law, citizens awareness is the key and therefore he urged the participants to understand the detailed provisions of the RTI law in the province and use it to improve local governance including the governance of the climate action.

Moving on, Mr. Nazeer Ahmed, Social Worker spoke on the application of RTI in Climate Change. He highlighted that RTI plays a crucial role in addressing climate change, as by being informed about government policies, citizens can hold authorities accountable and ensure their participation. Disclosure of data on the impacts of climate change such as rising temperatures, extreme weather, changes in rainfall patterns, distribution, receipt, allocation and utilization of climate fiancne, empowers communities to be prepared and make informed decisions.

Mr. Jan Muhammad Kakar, Forest Officer, District Ziarat, Balochistan gave detailed overview of Balochistan Climate Change Policy 2024. He highlighted that the first provincial climate change policy has been approved by the provincial cabinet in July 2024 and it focused on supporting vulnerable populations including ensuring citizens’ participation in climate action. He highlighted that by focusing on training local leaders, the policy encourages cooperation to engage remote populations, fostering collaboration between communities, civil society, and the government.. He emphasized that BCCP 2024 also emphasizes on the proactive disclosure through right to information as well as appointment of public information officers in all departments.

Next, Mr. Muhammad Alam, Social Activist, presented salient features of Balochistan Right to Information (RTI) Act 2021. He explained that the Act empowers citizens to request public information from government bodies, which must respond within 15 working days. Public Information Officers (PIOs) are designated for handling these requests, and public bodies are required to proactively disclose information on their websites. However, Alam highlighted challenges such as non-establishment of Information Commission, lack of awareness, and bureaucratic hurdles that hinder full implementation.

Towards the end, Mr. Sardar Saleh Muhammad Kakkar, CEO of Saroo Environmental Organization, along with the participants expressed their gratitude to TI Pakistan for organizing an insightful session. He also requested TI Pakistan to organize sessions on RTI, particularly in each vulnerable district of Balochistan.