Hello Readers!
In this blog we will talk about the International Day for Universal Access of Information (IDUAI) which is celebrated every year on 28 September. This day is observed to spread awareness about the importance of access to information and its importance in sustainable development and for claiming human rights.
History
The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) realized the phenomenon induced by information, and on November 17, 2015, announced that the International Day for Universal Access of Information will be observed on September 28.
Multiple organizations and governmental bodies gave rise to the domino effect and adhered to the declaration by UNESCO. On 28 September, 2019, the UN General Assembly also adopted the International Day for Universal Access to Information.
The first UN International Day for Universal Access to Information was observed on 28th September 2020. This year marks the observance of 2nd IDUAI.
IDUAI 2021
The theme of this year is “The Right to Know — Building Back Better with Access to Information”. This theme highlights the fact that the need of the public for accurate and reliable information has never been stronger than now. Also, amid the pandemic where countries are struggling to overcome the crisis, rebuilding of communities and institutions plays a bigger role.
Significance
The International Day for Universal Access to Information 2021 highlights the importance of expanding access to information laws, and their implementation worldwide to build back strong institutions for sustainable development and to uphold the vision of information as a public good. It also focuses on strengthening international cooperation in the field of implementing the right to information as a fundamental right.
How will the day be celebrated this year
To make the day special, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) and other partner institutions will come together and host six online webinars for IDUAI. The online webinars will be conducted on 28 and 29 September and they will emphasise on the central role of access to information legislation.
Other than that, IDUAI will also stress on its implementation in operating strong institutions to strengthen international cooperation in promoting the right to information as a fundamental human right.
Universal access to information
Universal access to information means that everyone has the right to seek, receive and impart information for healthy and inclusive knowledge societies.
This is a vital part of the right to freedom of expression.
The right to universal access to information is associated with the right to freedom of the press since the media plays a major role in informing the public about the issues of interest.
Important takeaways for all competitive exams
UNESCO headquarters: Paris, France;
UNESCO Head: Audrey Azoulay;
UNESCO Founded: 16 November 1945.
With this we come to the end of this blog. Stay tuned for more informational content.
){kind=link}