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International Day for Universal Access to Information
Recognizing the significance of access to information, the 74th UN 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 declaring 28 September of every year as International Day for Universal Access to Information (IDUAI).
UNESCO provides a platform and frame for all the stakeholders to participate in international discussions on policy access to information in the digital era as it empowers individuals, enables informed decision-making, fosters innovation, and promotes inclusivity and social progress.
Global Conference on Universal Access to Information 2023
This year, the International Day for Universal Access to Information will focus on the importance of the online space for Access to Information.
The global celebration will take place in Oxford, UK on 28 September 2023. The Opening session will be followed by the High-level roundtable, which will discuss access to information and internet disruptions in the context of the Vienna Declaration adopted at the World Conference on Human Rights.
A series of three panels will focus on Internet accessibility and connectivity; the role of governments, judiciary, and information commissioners in securing the proper functioning of internet as an enabler of the right to information and other human rights; as well as the need for international cooperation in the field of strengthening access to information for human rights and achievement of the Goals of Agenda 2030.
UNESCO Kabul office also contributed to commemorating the International Day for Universal Access to Information this year by installing banners in multiple languages; national and international as well as social media visibility to reaffirm its commitment to journalists, media-supporting organizations, and the public. Ensuring access to information is UNESCO鈥檚 mandate and we cannot reach out to press freedom unless we have access to information.
