In November 2024, the Central American Bank for Economic Integration (BCIE) hosted the XXVII Meeting of the Transparency and Access to Information Network (RTA). This regional event which took place in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, brought together prominent leaders, experts and representatives of various organisations to discuss transparency as a fundamental pillar of sustainable development. 

Manuel Gonzalez, Senior manager for Latin America, participated in this event as a panellist on a session on “Good practices for measuring transparency and access to information.” He presented CoST’s data publication tools including the Infrastructure Transparency Index that are replicable across the region.   

During the three days of activities the event promoted dialogue, cooperation, and the exchange of experiences to strengthen openness and accountability in the region. Key issues that were discussed included the contributions of multilateral organizations to the open state, access to information to empower vulnerable groups, and the role of transparency in promoting the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. 

In her speech BCIE Executive President Gisela Sánchez said “Transparency is not an option, but an unavoidable obligation to guarantee the trust… Being transparent is the basis on which we build a more inclusive and effective development for the region. Today, we reaffirm that transparency not only transforms institutions but also entire societies.” 

Doris Gutiérrez, Vice President of Honduras, underscored the importance of access to information as a human right and stated that “every official who handles public funds must be accountable to the people.” 

The international seminar was also attended by emblematic leaders such as Bernardo Arévalo, president of Guatemala; Milagros Ortiz Bosch, former vice president of the Dominican Republic; Julio María Sanguinetti, former president of Uruguay; and Vinicio Cerezo, former president of Guatemala. Representatives of multilateral banks, international organizations, public institutions, non-governmental organizations, journalists, and civil society were also present, consolidating a space for high-level exchange. 

This event reaffirmed a commitment to transparency as a strategic axis for sustainable development and the construction of fairer and more open societies. CoST were proud to be recognised for our contribution to this area through being asked to participate.