International Day for Universal Access to Information 2017 observed globally

28 September: International Day for Universal Access to Information

The International Day for Universal Access to Information (IDUAI) was observed globally on 28 September 2017. The celebrations and events for the Day are organised by UNESCO.

The year 2017 marks the second year observation of 28 September as the International Day for Universal Access to Information.

The celebrations of the day kick-started in Tunisia on 25 September with a panel event gathering around 250 participants to discuss progress and new initiatives around Tunisia’s Access to Information law.

From 27 to 30 September 2017, UNESCO hosted a Conference under the theme “Overcoming Divides and Achieving the SDGs in Africa” in Balaclava, Mauritius. This event will consist of plenary sessions, workshops and technical sessions.

On 28 September 2017, the International Programme for the Development of Communication (IPDC) hosted the second whole-day event “IPDCtalks: Powering Sustainable Development with Access to Information” in UNESCO Headquearters, Paris, France.

Background
UNESCO adopted a resolution (38 C/70) on 17 November 2015 declaring 28 September of every year as IDUAI.

The Day has its relevance with the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target 16.10 which calls for ensuring public access to information and protection of fundamental freedoms.