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International Day for Universal Access to Information

On International Day for Universal Access to Information, let's empower individuals with knowledge and promote transparency in our global community.

Monday

September 2026

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATESeptember 28

OBSERVED INInternationally

CATEGORYAwareness

SUBCATEGORYSocial Justice

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Get ready to celebrate International Day for Universal Access to Information on September 28! This day was first declared by the United Nations in 2015, with the goal of promoting and raising awareness about the importance of access to information as a human right. In today's digital age, information is more readily available than ever before, but there are still millions of people around the world who do not have equal access to it. This day serves as a reminder of the need for transparency and freedom of information in all societies. So let's come together and celebrate this important day by spreading knowledge and empowering individuals with the power of information!

TIMELINE

International Day for Universal Access to Information Timeline

United Nations Formed

With the formation of the United Nations, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was issued, setting a global standard for human rights, including access to information.

Emergence of The Internet

The emergence of the Internet began to change the information landscape, increasing the accessibility of information for many worldwide.

World Summit on Information Society

This summit established the need for universal access to information and communication technologies to promote human and economic development globally.

UN Declares Access to Information Day

The United Nations declared September 28 as the International Day for Universal Access to Information, highlighting the importance of access to information as a human right.

COVID-19 Reinforces Importance

The COVID-19 pandemic reinforced the need for accurate, accessible information due to the spread of misinformation and conspiracy theories.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate International Day for Universal Access to Information

Create an information scavenger hunt

Design a scavenger hunt that takes participants on a journey to gather information from various sources. This is a fun and interactive way to learn about the importance of universal access to information.

ORGANIZE

Organize a film screening

Choose a documentary or film that highlights the impact of universal access to information and host a screening for your community. This can spark discussions and raise awareness about the issue.

PARTICIPATE

Participate in an information fair

Join or organize an information fair in your community to showcase the importance of universal access to information. This is a great way to connect with like-minded individuals and organizations working towards this cause.

HOST

Host a panel discussion

Invite experts and activists to participate in a panel discussion on the topic of universal access to information. This can be a thought-provoking and educational event for the community.

START

Start a social media campaign

Spread awareness about universal access to information by starting a social media campaign. Use hashtags, share informative posts, and encourage others to join the conversation. Together, we can make a difference.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why International Day for Universal Access to Information is Important

It promotes social and economic development

Access to accurate and reliable information is essential for social and economic development. It enables businesses to make better decisions, leads to more efficient healthcare systems, and helps communities address important social issues. In turn, this leads to overall progress and improvement in quality of life.

It promotes transparency and accountability

Universal access to information allows citizens to hold governments and other organizations accountable for their actions. This leads to increased transparency and can help prevent corruption and abuse of power.

It helps individuals make informed decisions

Access to information equips individuals with the knowledge they need to make well-informed decisions about their lives, whether it be politically, socially, or economically. It empowers people to participate in their own governance and advocate for their rights.

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