PURPOSE: By Recognizing the significance of access to information, the 74th United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 28 September as the International Day for Universal Access to Information (IDUAI) at the UN level in October 2019. The day had been proclaimed by the UNESCO General Conference in 2015, following the adoption of the 38 C/Resolution 57 . Universal access to information means that everyone has the right to seek, receive and impart information. This right is an integral part of the right to freedom of expression. The media plays a crucial role in informing the public about issues of interest, but it relies on the ability to seek and receive information, too. Hence, the right to universal access to information is also bound up with the right to freedom of the press. During the observance of the International Day for Universal Access to Information (IDUAI). we celebrate a basic human right: access to information. It is bound up with the right to information, an integral part of the right to freedom of expression and the corallary right to media freedom.

FORUM:” The importance of online space for access to information.’’ International Day for Universal Access to Information 2023. A series of three panels will focus on Internet accessibility and connectivity; the role of governments, judiciary and information commissioners in securing the proper functioning of internet as an enabler of the right to information and other human rights; as well as the need for international cooperation in the field of strengthening access to information for human rights and achievement of the Goals of Agenda 2030. The panel discussions will focus on the following topics:"Technology for Democracy and Sustainable Development", "Internet connectivity as an enabler of the ability to exercise rights online, with a particular focus on access to information" "Judicial and Information regulators’ perspective on accessibility and Internet connectivity". Follow the conversations with the hashtags: #IDUAI, #28september, #RightToKnow, #Onlinespace #AccesstoinfoDay, #Artificialintelligence.

EVENTS: This year, the global High-level panel discussion in celebration of the International Day for Universal Access to Information 2023 will be hold in Oxford, United Kingdom on September 28th from 9:00 am to 7;00 pm , and will center around the theme of "the importance of the online space for access to information." The Opening session will be followed by the High-level roundtable, which will discuss access to information and internet disruptions in the context of the Vienna Declaration adopted at the World Conference on Human Rights. Register to participate to the event and Explore also the IDUAI2023 celebrations around the world.

WEBINARS: Join the United Nations Library’s virtual event in celebration of the International Day for Universal Access to Information 2023 on September 28th, from 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. ET. More information and registration.

STATEMENTS: "UNESCO works to protect and promote access to information as a fundamental human right and an essential step towards attainment of the  Sustainable Development Goals. As part of these efforts, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 28 September as the International Day for Universal  Access to Information – recognizing its role in development, democracy and equality." Mrs. Audrey Azoulay; Director-General of UNESCO.