Kids Portal For Parents India Kids Network
International Day For Universal Access To Information (IDUAI): It is observed on 28 September to focus on the right to information in times of crisis. Let us have a look at the theme, the history, and the significance of the day.
International Day For Universal Access To Information – IDUAI Day: Date
- 2025: 28 September, 2025 [Sunday]
- 2026: 28 September, 2026 [Monday]
- 2027: 28 September, 2027 [Tuesday]
- 2028: 28 September, 2028 [Thursday]
It is observed on 28 September and highlights the advantage of having constitutional, statutory, or policies that guarantee the public to access information for saving lives, building trust, and helping in the formulation of sustainable policies. Therefore the day focuses on the importance of access to information. With this an individual and make informed decisions.
The day also draws attention to people’s fundamental right to seek, receive, and impart information. Nowadays media plays a crucial role in providing information to people.
International Day For Universal Access To Information: Theme
- 2025: Ensuring Access to Environmental Information in the Digital Age
- 2024: Mainstreaming Access to Information and Participation in the Public Sector
- 2023: The importance of the online space for access to information
- 2022: Artificial Intelligence, e-Governance, and Access to Information
What is universal access to information?
It means that everyone has the right to seek, receive, and impart information. It is an integral part of the right to freedom of expression. Media plays an important role in informing people, telling what is happening around the surroundings, and informing people about several issues including issues of interest. On the other hand, it also relies on the ability to seek and receive information. However, the right to universal access to information is also bound up with the right to freedom of the press.
International Day For Universal Access To Information (IDUAI): History
The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) declared 28 September as International Day for Universal Access to Information on 17 November 2015. Several civil society organizations and government bodies considering this have adopted it in the world and currently celebrate the day. On 28 September 2019, the UN General Assembly also adopted the International Day for Universal Access to Information.
It is correctly said that when a person is informed he or she can make informed decisions, for example, when going to the polls. Only when citizens have the knowledge and know-how they govern, they can hold their governments accountable for their decisions and actions. Therefore, it is not wrong to say that information is power. And so universal access to information is a cornerstone of healthy and inclusive knowledge societies.
IDUAI: Significance
The International Day for Universal Access to Information (IDUAI) emphasizes the pivotal role of information accessibility in achieving sustainable development, transparency and accountable governance. It also underscores the importance of open, equitable access to information as a fundamental human right. In an increasingly digital world, this observance encourages governments, organizations, and individuals to combat misinformation and ensure that all citizens can exercise their right to information, contributing to informed decision-making, social progress, and inclusive development.
[ad2]
