Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — Every year on September 28, countries around the world celebrate International Right to Know Day (RTKD), highlighting the importance of public access to information. First established in 2002 by civil society organizations during a meeting in Sofia, Bulgaria, the day has since been formally recognized by UNESCO in 2015 as the International Day for Universal Access to Information (IDUAI).
The day aims to raise awareness about the critical role that access to information plays in empowering individuals, enabling informed decision-making, fostering innovation, and promoting inclusivity and social progress. UNESCO emphasizes that access to information is a fundamental human right, crucial for achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“UNESCO works to protect and promote access to information as a fundamental human right and an essential step towards attaining the Sustainable Development Goals. As part of these efforts, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 28 September as the International Day for Universal Access to Information, recognizing its role in development, democracy, and equality,” Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO stated, as quoted from UNSECO official websites.
The recognition of universal access to information underscores its role in safeguarding human rights and dignity, eliminating poverty, and fostering inclusive knowledge-based societies. The day also seeks to spread awareness about the need for stronger legislation and the effective implementation of laws related to access to information worldwide. Expanding these laws plays a key role in building inclusive and transparent institutions across the globe.
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In 2019, the 74th United Nations General Assembly officially proclaimed September 28 as the International Day for Universal Access to Information, elevating its importance at the UN level. Since 2016, the celebration, led by UNESCO has grown, further spreading the message of the public’s right to information.
The peak celebration of the International Right to Know Day will be marked by a global conference co-hosted by the Government of Ghana and UNESCO on October 1-2, 2024. The theme of the 2024 Global Conference on Universal Access to Information is “Mainstreaming Access to Information and Public Participation in the Public Sector,” focusing on how transparency and participation can be enhanced in governance and decision-making processes.
As the digital age continues to evolve, access to information is more critical than ever, empowering people and communities, fostering accountability, and driving sustainable development on a global scale.
(Raidi/Agung)
