International Day for Universal Access to Information (28/09)

September 28 is International Day for Universal Access to Information –, a memorable date established by UNESCO in 2015. The UN General Assembly in 2019 also included this date in its list of international days.

Adhering to the principles of the Program for Sustainable Development of Society, designed for the period until 2030, UNESCO drew attention to the importance of such a principle and pillar of the democratic foundations of modern society as the availability of information to the public. This principle was proclaimed in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Article 19 of which clearly states that a person has the right and freedom to seek, receive and impart information.

Information — is power, so universal access to information is the cornerstone of a healthy, inclusive and knowledge-based society.

The absolute limiter in this case is only the law, which can introduce the concept of state or military secrets, as well as limit information and ideas in accordance with the rules of law. That is, the content of the disseminated information should not contradict current legislation.

To celebrate the date, with the participation of UNESCO, various events (forums, conferences) are organized with the obligatory participation of representatives of states that are members of UNESCO. Representatives of government authorities, as well as civil society organizations and the media, are invited to these events, who jointly develop principles for more effective implementation of the law on the right to information.

In addition to major events held by UNESCO, conferences dedicated to the celebration of the International Day of Universal Access to Information, public events, and seminars with the assistance of public civil society organizations are held in different countries at the end of September.

Also in recent years, UNESCO and the UN have recalled that the focus must be on the right to information during a crisis and the benefits of having constitutional, legislative and/or political guarantees for public access to information to save lives, build trust and help develop sustainable policies during and after the COVID-19 crisis.

The tasks pursued by the organizers are – increasing citizens' awareness of their right to information, as well as reminding government officials of the need to ensure legislation in the field of the right to information. UNESCO emphasizes that free access to information contributes to building a more open and effective social structure, allows citizens to have greater knowledge for full participation in society and the state, prevents corruption of government structures, and ensures accountability of governments and local governments.

In turn, competent ownership and acquisition of information requires a certain level of knowledge, skills and abilities from society, especially taking into account the transition to digital technologies for storing and transmitting information. Only a developed society is able to exercise its right to free access to information, since it is not enough to obtain it. It requires analysis and understanding in order to be used for good. Society and the state must take care to teach their citizens to properly search, receive, analyze and use information. The media play a special role in the implementation of citizens' right to information. The presence of free independent media – is also one of the keys to the success of realizing the right of citizens to access information.



Postcard «September 28 — International Day of Universal Access to Information»

1908