International Day for Universal Access to Information, 2022: UNESCO observes the International Day for Universal Access to Information (IDUAI) on September 28 annually across the globe.

Key Points:

• This day is observed to raise awareness regarding the need to expand laws related to information and preserving the right to freedom of expression.
• It advocates for the right to seek, receive and distribute information.
• 28, September 2022 marks the 3rd celebration of IDUAI 2022.

Theme of 2022:

• The theme of the Global Conference on Universal Access to Information in 2022 is “Artificial Intelligence, e-Governance and Access to Information”.
• A global conference based on this theme will be held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
• It will include a high-level opening and an inter-ministerial roundtable on Access to Information and Artificial Intelligence with international experts.

History:

• On 17 November 2015, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) declared 28 September as International Day for Universal Access to Information.
• It was observed for the first time in 2016.
• The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) also designated September 28, 2019, as the International Day for Universal Access to Information, considering the fact that numerous government agencies and civil society organizations around the globe have already adopted and are currently commemorating this observance.
• This was done in order to further the idea that having access to information is a fundamental human right and an important step in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Note: There are 135 nations with access to information laws among which six have passed new rules during the COVID-19 pandemic period between 2020 and 2021.

Significance:

• Access to Information is an integral part of the fundamental right of freedom of expression, as recognized by Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948).
• The declaration stated that the fundamental right of freedom of expression encompasses the freedom to seek, impart, receive information and ideas through any media regardless of frontiers.

• Access to information is crucial for making informed decisions.
• The right to information increases transparency in the government and strengthens the democratic values.
• It plays a crucial role in the battle against corruption and achieving press freedom.
• It enables people to obtain the knowledge of how they are governed, enabling them to hold governments accountable for their decisions and actions.
• It is also important for achieving SDG 16.10, which calls for the promotion of the access to information and public freedom.