IDB Launches New Access to Information Policy to Enhance Transparency and Accountability

The Board of Executive Directors of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) has approved a new Access to Information Policy that will boost transparency and enhance accountability of the bank's operations. The implementation of this new policy will help make the IDB a more responsive and inclusive institution.

The new policy, which updates the IDB's current policy approved in 2010, seeks to maximize access to information by simplifying processes for requesting information, reducing disclosure exceptions, and using clearer language. The new policy will also foster a more open dialogue with stakeholders, including civil society organizations and donors, around the IDB's projects and initiatives, as well as encourage citizen participation in the socio-economic development of their countries.

"The IDB is firmly committed to increasing transparency and accountability and promoting a culture of openness and dialogue with all our stakeholders" said IDB President Ilan Goldfajn. "With the approval of the new Access to Information policy, we are strengthening our framework governing this dialogue and meeting the highest international standards and best practices, putting ourselves at the forefront of international financial institutions."

The update of the access to information policy included wide ranging public consultations with more than 5,000 civil society organizations in 2022. Hundreds of organizations participated in virtual and in-person sessions. Five face-to-face sessions were held in Colombia, Costa Rica, Jamaica, the United States, and Uruguay. In February of 2024, the IDB held another round of consultations to seek additional feedback.

The next step in putting the new Access to Information policy in place is to prepare guidelines that will govern the implementation of the new policy and discuss with civil society organizations and other relevant stakeholders.

The Access to Information policy and a report on the public consultation process are available on the IDB's Access to Information page.