The flow of real-time information to people’s devices drives economic and social development globally. For example, with internet access, students could attend classes online during the Covid-19 period. Businesses can reach customers worldwide. And people can now make money from the comfort of their homes.
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This means that with just a few clicks or taps on the screen, people can improve their health, make money, and educate themselves on any subject. Read on to learn about the international day for universal access to information.
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Overview of International Day for Universal Access to Information
The celebration is set aside to promote the idea that everyone worldwide has the fundamental right to seek, receive, and pass on information.
This fundamental right is linked to freedom of speech and expression. The International Day for Access to Information was announced on the 15th of October 2019 at the 74th UN General Assembly. The assembly settled the celebration for 28 September.
The International Day for Universal Access to Information was first fixed by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) during their general meeting in 2015. After inaugurating the idea, the first International Day for Universal Access to Information was held on 28 September 2016.
Then, on 15 October 2019, the UN General Assembly recognized 28 September as the International Day for Universal Access to Information during its 74th General Assembly. A good number of publications on Amazon cover International Day for Universal Access to Information very well.
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Why Is the International Day for Universal Access to Information Important?
The ocassion has national, continental, and global importance on the transparency and accountability agenda in many ways. It’ll help to stress the need for states to adopt and effectively implement the right to information laws.
Since the UN announced 28 September as the International Day for Universal Access to Information, the number of countries adopting open governance has increased. Also, this initiative gives stakeholders at global, continental, and national levels the platform to share opinions and effectively implement the right to information.
Currently, 27 out of 55 African Union (AU) Member States have a nod to national right to information laws. But there are still challenges in its effective implementation.
How to Participate
As an individual, you can participate in and promote the International Day for Universal Access to Information initiative. Here are the three ways you can get involved:
Use the Hashtags
One of the easiest ways to support and promote the initiative is to use the hashtags #UniversalAccessToInformation and #IDUAI. You can use these hashtags while making posts on social media platforms. Doing so will help more people know about the initiative.
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Attend the International Day for Universal Access to Information
UNESCO and other partner institutions usually hold online events to mark and celebrate this initiative. So another way to get involved is to attend these online seminars and webinars and share what you learnt from them with your family and friends or even social media followers.
It’s important for everyone to understand their fundamental human right. And you can make it happen by attending the events and sharing your knowledge and thoughts.
Promote the International Day for Universal Access to Information
Besides using hashtags and attending online seminars, you can also help others access helpful resources about the International Day for Access to Information. Most of these resources will be available on the UNESCO website.
You can direct people on how to get them. There are books on Amazon that educate people on the importance of the initiative. You can buy and share with people around you.
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Three Key Benefits of Universal Access to Information
The fight for the universal right to access information is a critical one. It offers many benefits but we’ll just look at the three main ones.
Residents can Hold State and Federal Government Accountable
When residents have access to information, they’ll know exactly what their government is supposed to do for them. Then, they can hold the government accountable.
Cuts Down Corruption
Once people can access government spending records, the officials will be more careful with the things that they do with taxpayers’ money. It brings checks and balances.
Permits Evidence-based Decision
In a democratic system of government, critical and fact-based decisions are essential. They help to allocate funds properly and save public funds. In all, it’s important for you to know your rights. Make deliberate efforts to educate yourself. One way to do this is to buy fundamental human rights books on Amazon.
So, join Spotcovery and the world to mark the International Day for Access to Information. Access to information is helping people worldwide to live a better life. Hence, set aside 28 September to celebrate.
Read Also: International Workers Day: 11 Facts Black Workers Should Know
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