International Day for Universal Access to Information 2024
The International Day for Universal Access to Information is celebrated annually on September 28th to promote the right of everyone to access information. The day was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in 2019, in recognition of the importance of access to information for sustainable development, democracy, and equality.
International Day for Universal Access to Information Theme 2024
As of today, the theme for the International Day for Universal Access to Information 2024 has not been announced yet.
The internet has made it possible for people to access information from all over the world at the click of a button. This has revolutionized the way we learn, communicate, and participate in society. However, not everyone has equal access to the internet. There are still billions of people around the world who do not have access to the internet, and many others who have limited or unreliable access.
The theme in 2023 was “The Importance of Online Space for Access to Information”.
Access to Information
Informed citizens are empowered to make informed decisions, especially when participating in elections. When citizens have a clear understanding of how they are governed, they can effectively hold their governments accountable for their decisions and actions. It’s well-established that information is a form of power. Therefore, ensuring universal access to information is a fundamental pillar of healthy and inclusive knowledge-based societies.
Universal access to information entails that every individual possesses the right to actively seek, receive, and share information. This right is an integral component of the broader right to freedom of expression. While the media plays a vital role in disseminating information on matters of public interest, it also relies on its ability to seek and receive information. Consequently, the right to universal access to information is closely intertwined with the right to freedom of the press. This synergy underscores the importance of these rights in fostering transparent and accountable societies.
History of International Day for Universal Access to Information
On November 17, 2015, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) officially designated September 28 as the International Day for Universal Access to Information. Recognizing the global significance of this observance, many civil society organizations and governmental bodies worldwide have embraced and celebrated this day. Furthermore, on September 28, 2019, the UNGA adopted this day as the International Day for Universal Access to Information.
UNESCO, along with its intergovernmental programs such as the International Programme for the Development of Communication and the Information for All Programme, serves as a platform and framework for engaging all stakeholders in international discussions related to access to information policies and guidelines. These programs also foster a supportive environment for the expansion of Access to Information (ATI) through the development of initiatives aimed at strengthening open science, promoting multilingualism, enhancing information and communication technologies for disabled and marginalized communities, and advancing media and information literacy.
Significance of International Day for Universal Access to Information
This day is not just a day of celebration; it’s a call to action for individuals, governments, and organizations to:
- Demand and protect the right to information.
- Promote open access to government data and public records.
- Invest in ICT infrastructure and digital literacy programs.
- Support independent media and journalism.
- Combat misinformation and disinformation through education and awareness raising.
28th September 2024 Special Day
On September 28, 2024, we globally observe the International Day for Universal Access to Information, championing the fundamental right of everyone to access information. Proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in 2019, this day underscores the vital role of information access in fostering sustainable development, democracy, and equality. Let’s recognize the power of information as a catalyst for positive change, advocating for universal access and empowering individuals to contribute to a more informed and equitable world.
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