International Day for Universal Access to Information

The International Day for Universal Access to Information promotes the fundamental right for everyone to seek, receive, and impart information. This observance highlights the crucial role of transparency, accountability, and citizen participation in governance. It underscores that access to information is an integral part of freedom of expression and is essential for informed decision-making, democratic participation, and combating corruption. The day serves to advocate for open data, support journalistic freedom, and educate the public about this vital human right.

The International Day for Universal Access to Information was first proclaimed by UNESCO in 2015 and then by the UN General Assembly in 2019, with its first official observance in 2016. Historically, it evolved from International Right to Know Day, which civil society advocates had been promoting since 2002. In the UK, the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) plays a significant role in championing transparency and the public's right to know, reflecting on its own evolving approach to Freedom of Information (FOI) legislation. Recent efforts by the ICO have focused on proactive guidance and support to prevent breaches of FOI and environmental information regulations, including specific work with sectors like UK water companies to improve transparency around sewage discharges.

In the United Kingdom, the International Day for Universal Access to Information is observed through various channels, including reflections by bodies like the ICO on their role in upholding access to information legislation. Events and discussions often centre on the importance of transparency in public authorities and the effective implementation of laws like the Freedom of Information Act. The day consistently falls on 28 September each year.

Top 10 Facts for 2026 International Day for Universal Access to Information in the UK

• The 2026 observance centers on the theme 'Upholding Information Integrity in the Digital Age: The role of access to Information in addressing Information Disorder,' focusing on strategies to combat misinformation and disinformation.
• This year's focus highlights the essential role that access to reliable and credible government-held information plays in fostering public trust and enabling informed debate within democratic societies.
• UNESCO leads this global campaign to raise awareness about the fundamental human right to seek, receive, and impart information, which is a vital enabler for other human rights.
• The day serves as a critical platform to advocate for the adoption and effective implementation of national right-to-information laws, which are essential for transparency and institutional accountability.
• Recognizing the United Kingdom's role in this space, the country has previously hosted high-level global conferences on the subject, such as the event at the Bonavero Institute of Human Rights at the University of Oxford.
• The observance is intrinsically linked to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically target 16.10.2, which tracks the number of countries that adopt and implement constitutional, statutory, or policy guarantees for public access to information.
• Historically known as International Right to Know Day, the observance originated from civil society advocacy in 2002 before being formally proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in 2019.
• Access to information is widely regarded as a cornerstone of inclusive governance, providing the necessary transparency to fight corruption and allow citizens to hold power to account.
• The observance emphasizes that universal access must include accessibility for all, including persons with disabilities and those in marginalized communities, to ensure digital inclusion.
• Common ways to engage with this day include participating in digital workshops on governance and AI, organizing 'Right to Know' community fairs, or hosting educational screenings of documentaries regarding the free press.

In the News and Trending in the UK for International Day for Universal Access to Information

Top things to do in the UK for this observance

• Visit your public library and check out their available resources.
• Educate yourself about the Freedom of Information Act and its implications in the UK. Understand how these laws work and how they contribute to universal access to information.
• Dedicate some time to expanding your knowledge on topics that interest you. Utilize online resources, digital libraries, and databases to access information that can help you stay informed.