International Day for Universal Access to Information 2024

The International Day for Universal Access to Information (IDUAI) is an annual observance on 28th September that highlights the importance of providing equal access to information for all individuals. This day serves as a platform to discuss and promote strategies for enhancing information accessibility, particularly in the digital age.

Theme: Artificial Intelligence, E-Governance, and Access to Information

The Role of AI and E-Governance in Improving Information Access

In our increasingly digital world, artificial intelligence (AI) and e-governance are playing pivotal roles in revolutionizing access to information. These technologies offer several benefits:

1. Bridging the Digital Divide: AI and e-governance tools can help narrow the gap between those with ready access to information and those without. By providing tailor-made and accessible information, these technologies ensure that a wider range of citizens can benefit from digital resources.
2. Enhancing Service Efficiency: E-governance platforms, powered by AI, can significantly improve the delivery of public services. Citizens can now access public sector information and services almost instantaneously, reducing wait times and bureaucratic hurdles.
3. Promoting Transparency: The digitization of government services inherently enhances transparency and accessibility. Online platforms allow citizens to track processes, access public records, and monitor government activities more easily.

Ethical Considerations and Challenges

While the benefits of AI and e-governance are substantial, they also raise important questions about fundamental rights and the ethical use of these technologies by public institutions:

1. Privacy Concerns: As AI systems rely heavily on citizen data to function effectively, there are growing concerns about data protection and individual privacy. How can we ensure that personal information is safeguarded while still leveraging the benefits of AI-driven services?
2. Information Filtering: AI algorithms often determine what information users access. This raises questions about the ethical principles guiding these determinations. How can we ensure that AI systems don’t inadvertently limit access to certain types of information or promote biased viewpoints?

The 2022 Edition of IDUAI

The 2022 celebration of the International Day for Universal Access to Information focused on the theme of e-governance and artificial intelligence in relation to the Right to Access Information. Key aspects of the event included:

1. Balanced Discussions: The event aimed to facilitate conversations about both the benefits and risks associated with e-governance and AI technologies.
2. Practical Tools and Best Practices: Participants shared and discussed effective strategies for implementing AI and e-governance solutions while safeguarding information access rights.
3. Policy Guidelines: The event featured the presentation of policy guidelines for public sector information, providing a framework for governments to follow when implementing digital information systems.
4. Declaration on Right to Information: A declaration was presented, affirming the right to information within the context of good governance principles.

The Importance of Access to Information

Empowering Informed Citizens

Universal access to information is crucial for several reasons:

1. Informed Decision-Making: When citizens have access to comprehensive information, they can make more informed decisions, particularly in important matters such as voting.
2. Government Accountability: Access to information allows citizens to understand how they are governed, enabling them to hold their governments accountable for actions and decisions.
3. Power Through Knowledge: The adage “information is power” holds true in this context. By ensuring universal access to information, societies can create more equitable power structures.

The Role of Media and Freedom of Expression

Access to information is intrinsically linked to other fundamental rights:

1. Freedom of Expression: The right to universal access to information is an integral part of the broader right to freedom of expression.
2. Press Freedom: The media plays a crucial role in disseminating information to the public. However, journalists and media organizations also rely on their ability to seek and receive information. Thus, universal access to information is closely tied to press freedom.

Background of IDUAI

UNESCO’s Declaration

On November 17, 2015, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) officially declared September 28 as the International Day for Universal Access to Information.

UN General Assembly Adoption

Recognizing the widespread observance of this day by civil society organizations and government bodies worldwide, the UN General Assembly formally adopted September 28 as the International Day for Universal Access to Information in 2019.

UNESCO’s Ongoing Efforts

UNESCO continues to support the principles of universal access to information through various initiatives:

1. International Programme for Development of Communication (IPDC): This program provides a platform for stakeholders to participate in international discussions on policy and guidelines related to access to information.
2. Information for All Programme (IFAP): This initiative enables a positive environment for access to information to flourish through various projects aimed at strengthening:

• Open science
• Multilingualism
• ICTs for disabled and marginalized groups
• Media and information literacy