September 28th is the International Day for universal access to information. This year Aruba unveils the website “Coleccion Aruba” and UNESCO Aruba carries out different projects with several of its stakeholders. Worldwide is this also celebrated by the United Nations since free access to information is a right that we have as a person of all ages.
Recognizing the importance of access to information, the 74th United Nations General Assembly proclaimed September 28 as the International Day for Universal Access to Information (IDUAI) at the United Nations level in October 2019. The day was proclaimed by the General Conference of UNESCO in 2015, following the adoption of Resolution 38 c/57 that declared September 28 of each year as the International Day for Universal Access to Information (IDUAI).
UNESCO provides a platform and a framework for all those interested in participating in international debates on information access policies in the digital era, as it empowers people, enables to take decisions informed, fosters innovation and promotes inclusion in social progress.
World Conference on Universal Access to Information 2023
This year, the International Day for Universal Access to Information will focus on the importance of the online space for access to information.
The global celebration will take place in Oxford, United Kingdom, on September 28, 2023. The opening session will be followed by the high-level round table, and will discuss access to information and the interruption of the Internet in the context of the Vienna Declaration adopted at the World Conference on Human Rights.
A series of three panels will focus on Internet accessibility and connectivity; the role of governments, the judiciary and information commissioners in ensuring the proper functioning of the 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 achieving the objectives of the 2030 Agenda.
Artificial intelligence, e-government and access to information
Artificial intelligence and e-government can play an important role in improving access to information in our digital world. They can help bridge the digital divide by providing citizens with access to accessible and tailor-made information. They can ensure services that are more efficient. People can get information and services from the public sector almost immediately. Making digital government services improves transparency and accessibility.
However, these developments also raise questions about fundamental rights and the use of Artificial Intelligence and e-governance through public institutions. Since Artificial Intelligence uses data from citizens, how do we protect citizens’ privacy? Because Artificial Intelligence can determine what information we access, what ethical principles does this determine?
The 2023 edition of the International Day for Universal Access to Information (IDUAI) will be an opportunity to discuss electronic governance and Artificial Intelligence with the aim of guaranteeing the Right to access information. The topic will allow discussions on the benefits and risks of e-governance and Artificial Intelligence. Practical tools and best practices will also be discussed, especially before the presentation of policy guidelines for public sector information and a declaration that will affirm the right to information in the context of the principles of Good Governance.
Informed people can make informed decisions, for example when they go to vote. Only when citizens know how they govern can they hold their governments accountable for their decisions and actions. Information is power. Thus, universal access to information is a cornerstone of healthy and inclusive knowledge societies.
Universal access to information implies that everyone has the right to seek, receive and disseminate 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 topics of interest, but it also depends on the ability to seek and receive information. Thus, the right of universal access to information is also linked to the right to freedom of the press.
The story
On November 17, 2015, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) declared September 28 International Day for Universal Access to Information. Considering that several civil society organizations and government agencies around the world have adopted and celebrated this observance, the UN General Assembly also adopted September 28, 2019 as International Day for Universal Access to Information.
UNESCO and its intergovernmental programmes – the International Programme for the Development of Communication and the Information for All Programme – provide a platform and a framework for all stakeholders to participate in international debates on policy and guidelines in the field of access to information. Both programs also allow a positive environment for the development of projects focused on strengthening open sciences, multilingualism, ICTs for the disabled and marginalized, and media and information literacy.
This day is also formed so that on this day where we in Aruba should stand up and see how our right to information is supported and what kind of information is accessible to our person. To take forward our right to obtain the correct and necessary information.
