International Day for Universal Access to Information Recognized on September 28

The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) designated September 28 as the International Day for Universal Access to Information (IDUAI) in 2015, Khaama Press reported yesterday.

This annual observance emphasizes the importance of transparent access to information.

The day highlights the crucial role that open access to information plays in promoting transparent governance, achieving development goals, and fostering just societies. The Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR) issued a statement on this occasion, stating, “An informed society is the cornerstone of democracy. On this day, we celebrate the right to free and open access to knowledge for all.”

This year’s celebration occurs against a backdrop of global conflicts that restrict access to information. In many countries, governing powers hinder transparency, fueling misinformation aimed at achieving political objectives and misleading public opinion.

While technological advancements have made information more accessible, they also create divisions between those with access and those without. A report by the ORF Foundation indicates that resource-rich countries are advancing rapidly, while others struggle due to a lack of data.

In Afghanistan, media restrictions have severely limited access to reliable information since the Taliban’s return to power, leading to increased censorship and the spread of misinformation, undermining efforts to maintain a well-informed society essential for transparency and democracy.