Brief History

The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) adopted a resolution on November 17, 2015, declaring September 28 as International Day for Universal Access to Information. Moreover, the United Nations General Assembly has designated September 28, 2019, as the International Day for Universal Access to Information, acknowledging that various civil society organizations and government entities worldwide have embraced and are currently celebrating this commemoration. UNESCO and its intergovernmental programs provide a platform for all parties to participate in international discussions on access to information as a fundamental right. Since 2002, the Right to Know Day has been observed worldwide, and it was created by international civil society advocates in 2012. African civil society organizations lobbied UNESCO to pass the resolution establishing the day, as they sought greater transparency in information.

Currently, only 17 African Union member states have adopted national laws on access to information. Groups like the Open Government Partnership hope that recognizing the right to information will provide a crucial platform for all stakeholders at the national level to discuss and effectively implement federal laws on access to information in line with international standards and obligations.

This day is significant for several reasons. First, it highlights the importance of equal access to information for all people. Second, it promotes the development of information technologies and their use for the benefit of society. Third, it encourages cooperation between governments, organizations, and individuals to ensure equal access to information.

How to Celebrate

There are many ways to celebrate this day. For example, you can organize events that promote equal access to information for people with disabilities. You can also hold workshops on information literacy and media literacy.

Day for Universal Access to Information

Interesting Facts

• According to UNESCO, about 2.2 billion people, or about 28% of the world's population, have limited or no access to the Internet.
• About 850 million people, or about 11% of the world's population, are illiterate. The World Wide Web Foundation, a global advocacy organization, estimates that there are more than 4.9 billion internet users worldwide as of 2023.
• The Global Digital Gender Gap Index, published by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), shows that women are less likely to have access to digital services and skills compared to men. For example, in some countries, women are less likely to own a smartphone or have access to the internet.
• The UNDP reports that digital literacy, or the ability to find, evaluate, use, and create digital content, is crucial for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By 2030, the UNDP aims to ensure that all women and men have the necessary skills to live, work, and participate in society in an increasingly digital world.