International Day for the Universal Access to Information Date in the current year: September 28, 2024

Access to Information Day was inspired by International Right to Know Day that was first observed in 2002 in Sofia, Bulgaria. The main goal of International Right to Know Day is to raise public awareness of the right to access to socially relevant information.

Access to Information Day was initiated by a group of African civil society advocates seeking greater information transparency. Representatives from Angola, Morocco and Nigeria addressed the UNESCO with a request to declare September 28 as International Day for the Universal Access to Information. Taking into account that ensuring such access is one of the top priorities of UNESCO’s activities, the General Assembly granted the request.

International Day for the Universal Access to Information is marked with forums, conferences, and other events and activities aimed to raise public awareness about the importance of universal access to information and freedom of expression for achieving sustainable development goals.