International Day for Universal Access to Information

28 September

Since 2016 UNESCO marks 28 September as the “International Day for Universal Access to Information” (IDUAI), following the adoption of the 38 C/Resolution 57 declaring 28 September of every year as International Day for Universal Access to Information (IDUAI).

The IDUAI has particular relevance with Agenda 2030 with specific reference to:

SDG 2 on investment in rural infrastructure and technology development,
SDG 11 on positive economic, social and environmental links between urban, peri-urban and rural areas and
SDG 16 on initiatives to adopt and implement constitutional, statutory and/or policy guarantees for public access to information.

In particular, UNESCO has been designated by the UN General Assembly as the custodian agency for global monitoring of part of the SDG target 16.10.2 in terms of which all countries should ensure ‘’public access to information and protect fundamental freedoms, in accordance with national legislation and international agreements. During these events, UNESCO will discuss monitoring results and present trends in the field of access to information.

MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR GENERAL

"The theme of this year’s celebration is “Leaving No One Behind!”, a mission in which digital technology is an invaluable resource. However, the unprecedented digital transformation of our era is also leading to new forms of inequality. To combat this, digital innovation must go hand in hand with the obligation of Member States to adopt and improve legislation for public access to information. Through implementing laws, investing in relevant infrastructure, and engaging civil society and young people in particular, access to information can protect human rights and drive sustainable development."

— Audrey Azoulay, Director General, Message on the occasion of the International Day for Universal Access to Information

Download the complete message in PDF format
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IDUAI 2019 EVENTS: ACCESS TO INFORMATION – LEAVING NO ONE BEHIND!

This year UNESCO is commemorating the International Day for Universal Access to Information with a series of ‘Open Talks’. Al the global level, an Open Talk event will be held in Lima, Peru. Regional events will be held in Asia and the Pacific and Latin America. More than 20 countries will celebrate #AccessToInfoDay