Right to Information (RTI) Video Competition Event

Organized by School of Information Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Physics (STEMP) of SP Laucala Campus in partnership with UNDP Pacific Office

Under the project ‘Strengthening Anti-corruption, Transparency and Accountability in Pacific Island Countries (Pacific Anti-Corruption Project), funded by the Government of the United Kingdom

8^th December, 2023

USP, Fiji

Click on the link to register for the video competition

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/rti-video-competition-registration

1. Background/Context

The Right to Information (RTI), also known as Freedom of Information and Access to Information, is a global human right. It necessitates countries to provide timely information to citizens proactively. As Pacific Island Countries (PICs) are still in developmental stages, support is crucial to align their RTI practices with developed nations. The collaboration between the University of The South Pacific (USP) and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) has paved the way for RTI in the Pacific, focusing on innovative digital solutions for awareness, advocacy, and improved disclosure of government information.

The ability to make informed decisions is closely tied to the information available. While information needs vary, specific data must be readily accessible. The project’s first phase involved a needs assessment for a deep understanding of RTI, revealing a growing need for effective information retrieval and distribution technologies. The second phase focused on innovative RTI tools, an RTI digital literacy e-course, and continued face-to-face workshops. These tools encourage citizens to access information via mobile apps and websites while the e-course educates students on the importance of RTI.

The third phase aims to enhance existing RTI digital solutions, providing new tools for regular and proactive government information disclosure. Advocacy and awareness efforts will continue, targeting civil society and the private sector with a newly designed RTI e-course. The project expands advocacy to additional South Pacific countries, aiming to improve information retrieval and dissemination between citizens and the government.

2. Benefits of RTI:

Robust RTI frameworks offer enhanced participation, democratic governance, informed voting decisions, improved public sector efficiency, and media reporting. RTI fosters active citizen-government engagement, encouraging inclusive approaches to economic development. Accessible official information attracts investment, encourages innovation, reduces corruption, and builds trust between citizens and government.

3. USP and UNDP – Key Partners:

UNDP collaborates with USP to research RTI knowledge, promote its benefits, and develop digital solutions across 12 Pacific Island Countries. The partnership targets civil society, government officials, and political leaders to extend RTI as an anti-corruption tool and enhance participatory governance.

4.Objective:

The RTI Video Competition Launch Event, coinciding with International Anti-Corruption Day on 8th December, aims to:

Utilize visual storytelling to promote transparency, accountability, and innovation in RTI and anti-corruption efforts.
Raise awareness, engage individuals in understanding RTI values, and encourage innovation in anti-corruption practices.
Explore the possibilities of e-governance and open data.

5.Scope

The issues this activity addresses have a regional scope, mainly targeting Pacific Island Countries (PICs). These countries, still in developmental stages, face challenges in aligning their Right to Information (RTI) practices with more developed nations. The collaborative efforts between the University of The South Pacific (USP) and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) are geared towards promoting RTI in the Pacific region. The initiative spans multiple countries in the Pacific, making it a regional endeavour rather than being confined to a single country or locality. The aim is to address and improve information retrieval, dissemination, and transparency practices across the broader Pacific Island region.

6. Video outcome:

Innovative RTI Awareness Videos: Creation of engaging and informative videos to increase RTI awareness.
Digital Storytelling on Anti-Corruption Practices: Videos showcasing innovative approaches to combat corruption.
E-governance and Open Data Visualization: Visual presentations demonstrating the advantages of e-governance and the importance of open data.

7. Video Submission Requirements:

Video Length: Maximum: 60 seconds.

Content Guidelines:

Relevance to RTI, covering concepts, examples, success stories, or challenges.
Originality: Videos must be created for the competition, avoiding copying or repurposing.
Educational Value: Provide accurate and educational content about RTI themes to inform and raise awareness.
Clarity of Message: Ensure clear understanding by a general audience, avoiding overly complex language.
Respectful Tone: Present video content constructively and positively.
Language and Accessibility: Videos in English or local language; include subtitles for multilingual accessibility.

Video Content:

There are 3 themes for this competition which are:

Right to Information
Innovation in anti-corruption
E-governance and open data

Refrain from using hate speech, explicit content, or any form of discrimination.

Registration and Submission details:

Registration will open on 8th December, 2023.
Closing date for video submission till 26th February 2024.