International Day for Universal Access to Information : Empowering Knowledge for All

In an increasingly digital world, the right to access information plays a pivotal role in empowering individuals, fostering democracy, and promoting sustainable development. Every year on September 28, we celebrate the International Day for Universal Access to Information (IDUAI), a day dedicated to raising awareness of the importance of access to public information and ensuring freedom of expression. Since its proclamation by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 2015, this day has emphasized the critical role that information access plays in human rights and the development of societies.

The Importance of Universal Access to Information

Access to information is a fundamental human right recognized under Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. It allows individuals to seek, receive, and impart information freely, which is essential for an informed and engaged public. Universal access to information is not only about accessing public documents but also about ensuring that digital platforms, data, and other knowledge resources are open to everyone.

In today’s information age, access to data is essential for transparency, accountability, and good governance. Whether in the fields of healthcare, education, or environmental protection, the availability of information empowers citizens to make informed decisions. It also enables civil society to hold governments and institutions accountable.

Why the Day Matters More Than Ever

The digital divide remains a significant obstacle to universal access to information. While millions of people enjoy unfettered access to the Internet and digital resources, many still live in areas where access to the web and information remains limited. According to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), nearly 37% of the world’s population remains unconnected to the internet. This lack of access creates a profound information inequality.

Universal access to information can narrow the gap between those who have access to digital resources and those who don’t, contributing to the achievement of UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, which highlights the role of inclusive societies and access to justice for all.

The Role of Technology in Bridging the Gap

Technology has become a powerful tool in ensuring access to knowledge. Innovations such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and big data can help organize, disseminate, and make sense of vast amounts of information. Tools like chatbots, automated language translation, and voice recognition software enable access to information even for people with disabilities or those who do not speak widely used languages.

Governments, too, play a critical role in facilitating access to information. Many countries have adopted Right to Information (RTI) laws, which mandate the government to disclose certain public documents and provide access to data that is essential for transparency. However, enforcement and compliance remain issues in many parts of the world. Access to information often runs into barriers such as bureaucratic hurdles, censorship, or poor infrastructure.

The Intersection of Access and Privacy

While the push for universal access to information is crucial, it must be balanced with the protection of privacy. As more data becomes available online, protecting individuals’ private information is becoming increasingly important. The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in Europe and similar data protection laws globally aim to ensure that the push for transparency does not infringe on people’s right to privacy.

Ensuring that both access to information and privacy are respected requires a delicate balance between openness and confidentiality. Governments and organizations must adopt best practices to ensure data protection while providing access to public information.

A Call to Action

As we celebrate the International Day for Universal Access to Information, there is an urgent need for collaboration between governments, civil society, private organizations, and individuals to promote inclusive access. The right to information should not be viewed as a privilege but as an essential building block of any democratic society. By improving transparency, fostering innovation, and reducing information inequality, we pave the way toward a more informed, equitable, and sustainable world.

To create a future where information is freely accessible, we must focus on:

• Bridging the digital divide to ensure that information reaches the most marginalized populations.
• Strengthening RTI laws globally and ensuring their implementation.
• Promoting digital literacy so that individuals can make informed use of the information they access.
• Encouraging collaboration between the public and private sectors to leverage technology for universal access.
• Ensuring that information is shared in a way that respects both transparency and privacy.

This International Day for Universal Access to Information serves as a reminder that access to knowledge is fundamental to empowerment, and we all have a role to play in ensuring that no one is left behind.

References:

• UNESCO. (2015). International Day for Universal Access to Information. Retrieved from https://en.unesco.org
• International Telecommunication Union (ITU). Global Digital Divide Report. Retrieved from https://www.itu.int
• General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). (2018). Overview of the GDPR Regulations. Retrieved from https://gdpr.eu