International Day for Universal Access to Information 2023: Date, Purpose, Significance

Every year September 28 is observed as International Day for Universal Access to Information (IDUAI). The day aims to raise awareness for the need to expand information related laws and their implementation. Equal and universal access to information is an important tool for promoting human rights and dignity and also for eradication of poverty to build inclusive knowledge societies. Expanding and carefully implementing the laws related to information can help in building inclusive institutions access the world. The International Day for Universal Access to Information 2023 will be observed on Thursday, September 28.

International Day for Universal Access to Information 2023 Date

Below mentioned are the upcoming dates for International Day for Universal Access to Information for the next 5 years.

International Day for Universal Access to Information 2023 Overview

Significance of International Day for Universal Access to Information

Right information is important to make an informed decision from an individual level to an organization level. The International Programme for Development of Communication and the Information for All Programme is an intergovernmental program of UNESCO that provides a platform to participate in international discussions on guidelines and policy related to the area of access to information.

In its 74^th General Assembly in October 2019, the United Nations proclaimed 28 September as the International Day for Universal Access to Information (IDUAI) at the UN level with the aim to accelerate sustainable solutions aimed at reaching the Sustainable Development Goals. The day also acts as a fuel to mobilize governments, civil society and individuals to take ownership and contribute to SDG 16.

History of International Day for Universal Access to Information Observation

The resolution to observe International Day for Universal Access to Information was adopted by the UNESCO General Conference in 2015. On 17 November 2015, the 38 C/Resolution 57 was passed for observing a day dedicated to promotion of access of information as an important tool for promoting human rights. The first IDUAI was observed in 2016 and since then the observation of this day is supported by more than 25 countries in the world.

To recognize 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.

International Day for Universal Access to Information 2023 Theme

Every year, a theme is decided by the UNESCO for celebrating the International Day for Universal Access to Information. Last year, the theme was “Artificial Intelligence, e-Governance and Access to Information”.

The theme focussed on the significance of access to information legislation and implementations and the role of media and information literacy and open access.

International Day for Universal Access to Information Celebration

IDUAI is an important day for spreading awareness on our Right to Access Information and is celebrated globally with great enthusiasm. On 28 September, the global celebration of International Day for Universal Access to Information takes place. The celebratory event will begin with a high-level opening, accompanied by an inter-ministerial roundtable on Access to Information and Artificial Intelligence. Experts from all around the world will participate in the roundtable discussion.

The opening ceremony will recall the importance of implementing access to information legal frameworks for the establishment of inclusive knowledge societies. Following the opening ceremony, panel discussions on “Artificial Intelligence, e-Governance and Access to Information” will take place which will cover both benefits and risks, against the backdrop of good governance principles.

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