Date: Sunday, 28 September 2025, 10th Annual Day.
Short name: Access to Information Day
Sponsor: the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
Objective:
The International Day for Universal Access to Information is annually observed for the following purposes:
- to acknowledge that “the right to seek, receive and impart information is an integral part of the right to freedom of expression.”
- to recognize the importance of the right of access to information for defending other human rights, restoring trust, and advancing democratic societies.
- to promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development by ensuring public access to information and protecting fundamental freedoms.
Inception:
International Day for Universal Access to Information was first held around the world on 28 September 2016.
History
It originated from a meeting of the civil society movement held in Sofia, Bulgaria, on 28 September 2002, which was first named 28 September International Right to Know Day.
On 17 November 2015, in response to the appeal by African civil society groups seeking greater information transparency, the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) officially declared 28 September of each year as International Day for Universal Access to Information (UNESCO 38 C/70).
Recognizing the significance of access to information, the 74th UN General Assembly adopted a resolution (A/RES/74/5) on 15 October 2019, proclaiming 28 September as the International Day for Universal Access to Information.
So far, more than 130 countries have issued access to information laws.
Why do we mark Access to Information Day?
Information is always important for everyone to make decisions and actions in daily life. Without sufficient information, it would be difficult for people to make the right decisions. “Universal access to information means everyone has the right to seek, receive and impart information.” This right is bound up with the right to freedom of expression. Therefore, access to information has been increasingly recognized as a prerequisite for claiming human rights. It is a fundamental right in human life!
Access to information is also vital for sustainable development worldwide. It is an indicator under Sustainable Development Goal 16, which aims to “promote peaceful and inclusive societies, provide access to justice for all, and build effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels.”
How to celebrate the Access to Information Day?
On that day, individuals, organizations, and governments are welcome to host various events (such as seminars, lectures, symposiums, panel discussions, webinars, or social media campaigns) to raise and spread awareness of everyone’s right to request and obtain information from public bodies and to highlight the importance of free access to information in saving lives, promoting health, and sustainable development, especially in emergencies or during public health crises.
Annual theme in recent years:
2025 theme: “Ensuring Access to Environmental Information in the Digital Age.”
2024 theme: “Mainstreaming Access to Information and Participation in the Public Sector.”
2023 theme: “The Importance of the Online Space for Access to Information.”
2022 theme: “Artificial Intelligence, e-Governance and Access to Information.”
2021 theme: “The Right to Know – Building Back Better with Access to Information.”
2020 theme: “Access to Information – Saving Lives, Building Trust, Bringing Hope.”
2019 theme: “Leaving No One Behind.”
Official website:
www.un.org/en/observances/information-access-day
