International Day for Universal Access to Information 2023: Date, History, Facts about Universal Right to Access Information

Every year, on September 28, International Day for Universal Access to Information is observed. This day promotes the notion that everyone has the fundamental right to pursue, receive, and distribute information. This privilege is also connected to the right to free speech. Included are communications at the local, national, and international levels. The right to information is necessary for making decisions, participating in democratic governance, and increasing openness, which gives citizens access to information about how their government operates. It lays the foundation for the struggle against corruption. The media also plays a crucial role, as it informs the public about relevant issues and relies on the public’s ability to search and receive information. Therefore, it is believed that this privilege is also linked to press freedom.

The background of International Day for Universal Access to Information

The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) declared September 28 as International Day for Universal Access to Information on November 17, 2015. In addition, the United Nations General Assembly has designated September 28, 2019 as the International Day for Universal Access to Information, recognizing that numerous civil society organizations and government entities around the globe have embraced and are currently commemorating this day.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and its intergovernmental programs provide a forum and framework for all parties to participate in international policy and normative deliberations on access to information as a human right. Since 2002, worldwide celebrations of Right to Know Day have been organized by international civil society advocates. African civil society organizations lobbied the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to approve the resolution establishing the day because they desired greater information transparency.

Currently, only 17 member states of the African Union have adopted national right-to-information laws. At the national level, organizations such as Open Government Partnership anticipate that recognizing the right to information will provide an essential platform for all stakeholders. The purpose of this meeting is to discuss adopting and effectively implementing federal right-to-information laws in accordance with continental and international obligations and standards.

5 Advantages of the Universal Right to Access Information

With access to information, citizens can hold public officials accountable.

This benefit relates to the government and private organizations that are also responsible for the information of individuals.

As a result of the public’s access to public expenditure records, officials will be more prudent with public funds.

Governments can document what they intend to do for their citizens if they have access to information.

In democratic governments, informed decisions are crucial because they enhance resource allocation and conserve public funds.

INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR UNIVERSAL ACCESS TO INFORMATION DATES

Year	Date	Day
2023	September 28	Thursday
2024	September 28	Saturday
2025	September 28	Sunday
2026	September 28	Monday
2027	September 28	Tuesday