Intl Day for Universal Access to Information 2026
Learn about International Day for Universal Access to Information 2026, observed on September 28. Explore its history, importance, theme, objectives and key exam facts.
Intl Day for Universal Access to Information
- International Day for Universal Access to Information is observed every year on 28 September.
- It emphasizes the importance of people’s right to seek, receive and impart information and promotes transparent, inclusive and accountable societies.
International Day for Universal Access to Information – Basic Facts
- Day = International Day for Universal Access to Information
- Abbreviation = IDUAI
- Date = 28 September
- Proclaimed by UNESCO = 2015
- UN-level observance = 2019
- UN General Assembly Resolution = A/RES/74/5
- Main focus = Universal access to information
- Related right = Freedom of expression
- 2026 Theme = “Upholding Information Integrity in the Digital Age: The role of access to Information in addressing Information Disorder”.
- Intl Day for Universal Access to Information
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2026 Theme
- 2026 Theme = “Upholding Information Integrity in the Digital Age: The role of access to Information in addressing Information Disorder”
What is Universal Access to Information?
- Universal access to information means that everyone has the right to seek, receive and impart information.
- This right is closely connected with freedom of expression and freedom of the press.
- Access to reliable information also helps citizens participate meaningfully in public life and hold governments accountable.
International Legal Connection
- The right to seek, receive and impart information is recognized as part of freedom of expression under:
- Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR)
- Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR)
- Intl Day for Universal Access to Information
Importance of the Day
- Promotes the right to information.
- Strengthens transparency and accountability.
- Supports informed decision-making.
- Promotes freedom of expression.
- Supports freedom of the press.
- Helps citizens participate in governance.
- Encourages access to reliable information in the digital age.
- Helps combat misinformation and disinformation.
- Promotes inclusive knowledge societies.
- Supports the implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 16.
- Intl Day for Universal Access to Information
Connection with SDGs
- SDG 16 – Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions.
- In particular, SDG Target 16.10 concerns ensuring public access to information and protecting fundamental freedoms.
- UNESCO monitors countries’ progress on access-to-information laws through its work connected with SDG Indicator 16.10.2.
Important One-Liners for TNPSC / UPSC
- International Day for Universal Access to Information is observed on 28 September.
- The abbreviation of the day is IDUAI.
- UNESCO proclaimed 28 September as the International Day for Universal Access to Information in 2015.
- The UN General Assembly proclaimed the day at the UN level in 2019.
- The relevant UN General Assembly resolution is A/RES/74/5.
- Universal access to information means the right to seek, receive and impart information.
- The right to access information is closely connected with freedom of expression.
- Article 19 of the UDHR is an important legal foundation for the right to seek, receive and impart information.
- SDG 16 is strongly associated with access to information.
- SDG Indicator 16.10.2 relates to public access to information.
- 2026 Theme: “Upholding Information Integrity in the Digital Age: The role of access to Information in addressing Information Disorder.”
- The 2026 Global Conference on Universal Access to Information is hosted by Sierra Leone in collaboration with UNESCO.
- Intl Day for Universal Access to Information