PURPOSE: By Recognizing the significance of access to information, the 74th United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 28 September as the International Day for Universal Access to Information (IDUAI) at the UN level in October 2019. The day had been proclaimed by the UNESCO General Conference in 2015, following the adoption of the 38 C/Resolution 57 . Universal access to information means that everyone has the right to seek, receive and impart information. This right is an integral part of the right to freedom of expression. The media plays a crucial role in informing the public about issues of interest, but it relies on the ability to seek and receive information, too. Hence, the right to universal access to information is also bound up with the right to freedom of the press. During the observance of the International Day for Universal Access to Information (IDUAI). we celebrate a basic human right: access to information. It is bound up with the right to information, an integral part of the right to freedom of expression and the corallary right to media freedom.
FORUM: "Mainstreaming Access to Information and Participation in the Public Sector." International Day for Universal Access to Information 2024. UNESCO and its partners will celebrate this day worldwide through advocacy activities, panel discussions, and global conversations with experts, highlighting the latest trends and best practices with regards to access to information.The Participants will discuss access to information and its importance especially in the digital era. Follow the conversations with the hashtags: #IDUAI, #28september, #RightToKnow, #Onlinespace #AccesstoinfoDay, #Artificialintelligence.
EVENTS: The theme of the 2024 Global Conference on Universal Access to Information is "Mainstreaming Access to Information and Participation in the Public Sector". Hosted by the government of Ghana and UNESCO will be held from 1-2 October 2024, the International Day of Universal Access to Information (IDUAI) serves as a platform to assess progress made in promoting access to information since the adoption of the UN Sustainable Development Agenda. While significant strides have been taken, there remains a pressing need to accelerate progress globally. This conference aligns with the International Day for Universal Access to Information, observed annually on September 28th. The IDUAI 2024 Global Conference aims to explore how mainstreaming Access to Information (ATI) laws across government sectors can enhance the right to information. Throughout the conference, government representatives and civil society actors will demonstrate how access to information policies are implemented across diverse government entities. Additionally, there will be a focus on the role of non-governmental actors in ensuring policy coherence for ATI implementation across both public and private sectors. The conference's main objective is to offer Governments and civil society a list of best practices for mainstreaming the right to information into the organisational systems and culture of different public authorities. Emphasizing African experiences, the conference will underscore the benefits of access to information in fostering peaceful and inclusive societies conducive to sustainable development.
STATEMENTS: "UNESCO works to protect and promote access to information as a fundamental human right and an essential step towards attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals. As part of these efforts, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 28 September as the International Day for Universal Access to Information – recognizing its role in development, democracy and equality." Mrs. Audrey Azoulay; Director-General of UNESCO.
PODCASTS: Let’s talk about the importance of the online space for access to information. Artificial Intelligence and e-governance can play an important role to improve access to information in our digital world. They can help bridge the digital divide, by giving citizens access to tailor-made and accessible information. They can assure services that are more efficient Listen to the audio-podcasts!
CAMPAIGN MATERIALS: Raise awareness on the importance of the online space for access to information. Citizens can access public sector information and services nearly instantly. Making government services digital enhances transparency and accessibility. Get the communication materials!
WHY WE CELEBRATE THE DAY?
HOW TO GET INVOLVED!
PARTNERSHIPS
The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 28 September as the International Day for Universal Access to Information (IDUAI) to recognize the significance of access to information. The IDUAI is celebrated each year, around the world. Universal access to information means that everyone has the right to seek, receive and impart information. This right is an integral part of the right to freedom of expression. The media plays a crucial role in informing the public about issues of interest, but it relies on the ability to seek and receive information, too. Hence, the right to universal access to information is also bound up with the right to freedom of the press.
The International Day for Universal Access to Information is hosted by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the Broadband Commission, Civil society Organizations, Non-Governmental Organizations, Academics and Indiduals.
UNESCO and its intergovernmental programs - the International Programme for Development of Communication and the Information for All Programme - provide a platform and frame for all the stakeholders to participate in international discussions on policy and guidelines in the area of access to information.
'Promote the significance of access to information.
Enable positive environment for ATI to flourish through the development of projects.
Strengthen open science, multilingualism, ICTs for disabled and marginalized, and media and information literacy.