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đ International Day for Universal Access to Information 2025 đ
On 17 November 2015, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) declared 28 September as International Day for Universal Access to Information.
Background
On 17 November 2015, UNESCO declared 28 September as International Day for Universal Access to Information. Considering that several civil society organizations and governments worldwide already celebrated this observance, the UN General Assembly also adopted it on 28 September 2019.
UNESCO and its intergovernmental programs — the International Programme for Development of Communication and the Information for All Programme — provide platforms for global discussions on access to information. These initiatives strengthen open science, multilingualism, ICTs for the disabled and marginalized, and media and information literacy.
Meaning of Universal Access to Information
Universal access to information means that everyone has the right to seek, receive, and impart information. This right is deeply tied to Freedom of Expression. The media depends on access to information to inform the public, making it an essential pillar of democratic, inclusive, and informed societies.
Accessing Information in the Digital Era
The UNDP Oslo Governance Centre and UNESCO recently hosted a joint eConsultation, “Accessing Information in the Digital Era”, which drew global experts. In 2022, participants reaffirmed the importance of access to information in the age of AI and emerging technologies. This commitment strengthens human rights and sustainable development worldwide.
The eConsultation provided key insights for the Tashkent Declaration, aligning with Agenda 2030 and SDG 16.10.2 on access to information.
Global Conference on Universal Access to Information 2025
The upcoming Global Conference on Universal Access to Information 2025 will be hosted in Manila, Philippines on 29–30 September 2025. This landmark event marks the 10th anniversary of the designation of 28 September as the International Day for Universal Access to Information — reflecting a decade of progress and challenges worldwide.
