International Day for Universal Access of Information

WHY IN THE NEWS?

International day for Universal Access of Information is observed on September 28 every year by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
About:

• This day is observed because; torrential flow of information is the result of dominant paradigm considering the availability of information assign of the development. As a result, common perspective is that information is power.
• Thus, UNESCO realized the phenomenon induced by information and announced on November 17, 2015 that the International Day for Universal Access of Information will be observed on September 28.
• Various organizations and governmental bodies adhered to the declaration by UNESCO. Hence, UN General Assembly (UNGA) also decided to observe September 28 as the

Theme of the day in 2021

In the year 2021, the day was observed under the theme- “The Right to Know – Building Back Better with Access to Information.” This theme highlights the fact that need of public for accurate and reliable information has never been stronger than now, amidst struggle by countries to overcome COVID-19 pandemic rebuild communities and institutions.

Focus of the day

The International day for Universal Access of Information (IDUAI) mainly focus on making information accessible to all, in order to develop robust structure of sustainable policies in society. The day also ensures that “access to information is continuous” at times of crisis in a bid to make collectively informed decision to find solution to it.

Background

IDUAI was proclaimed on October 15, 2019 at the 74th UN General Assembly. Initially it was designated by the UNESCO General Conference. The day was inaugurated in November 2015 and was first observed on September 28, 2016. This day was recognised as “International Right to Know Day” since 2002.