Access to Information: A Cornerstone of Sustainable Development and Human Rights
Global Progress and Gaps
Since UNESCO’s founding in 1945, ATI has been central to its mission. Today, 139 countries, covering 90% of the world’s population, have freedom of information laws. Yet large gaps remain, with only 55% of Africans and 15% of people in the Middle East and North Africa covered by ATI protections.
ATI milestones include the Brisbane Declaration (2010), the Finlandia Declaration (2015), and the establishment of International Day for Universal Access to Information (IDUAI) on 28 September. Recognised by the UN, ATI is also embedded in the Sustainable Development Goals (target 16.10), making it a global development priority.
Why It Matters?
ATI has real-world impact. In Brazil, ATI requests exposed corruption in organ transplants, leading to reforms that saved nearly 500 lives. In Thailand, access to exam papers revealed rigged school admissions, forcing reforms. In India, villagers used ATI to uncover missing funds in a water project, ensuring clean water for their community.
Looking Ahead: Manila 2025
The next milestone will be the IDUAI Global Conference in Manila (29–30 September 2025), co-hosted by UNESCO and the Philippines. With the theme “Ensuring Access to Environmental Information in the Digital Age”, the conference will highlight how transparent data is vital in tackling climate disruption.
A Universal Right
Strong ATI laws require independence, broad coverage, low-cost access, and proactive publication. In the digital age, this also means adapting to challenges like AI, big data, and cross-border information flows.
ATI is not optional. It is as essential as clean air. It empowers citizens, strengthens democracy, and builds resilience against global risks. Above all, it is a universal promise: no one should be left in the dark.
By Tawfik Jelassi, Assistant Director-General for Communication and Information, UNESCO
Access to information (ATI) is more than a principle. It is the foundation of transparency, trust, and resilience. When citizens can access credible information, governments are held accountable, societies function more fairly, and communities gain the tools to protect their rights and wellbeing.
Global Progress and Gaps
Since UNESCO’s founding in 1945, ATI has been central to its mission. Today, 139 countries, covering 90% of the world’s population, have freedom of information laws. Yet large gaps remain, with only 55% of Africans and 15% of people in the Middle East and North Africa covered by ATI protections.
ATI milestones include the Brisbane Declaration (2010), the Finlandia Declaration (2015), and the establishment of International Day for Universal Access to Information (IDUAI) on 28 September. Recognised by the UN, ATI is also embedded in the Sustainable Development Goals (target 16.10), making it a global development priority.
Why It Matters
ATI has real-world impact. In Brazil, ATI requests exposed corruption in organ transplants, leading to reforms that saved nearly 500 lives. In Thailand, access to exam papers revealed rigged school admissions, forcing reforms. In India, villagers used ATI to uncover missing funds in a water project, ensuring clean water for their community.
Looking Ahead: Manila 2025
The next milestone will be the IDUAI Global Conference in Manila (29–30 September 2025), co-hosted by UNESCO and the Philippines. With the theme “Ensuring Access to Environmental Information in the Digital Age”, the conference will highlight how transparent data is vital in tackling climate disruption.
A Universal Right
Strong ATI laws require independence, broad coverage, low-cost access, and proactive publication. In the digital age, this also means adapting to challenges like AI, big data, and cross-border information flows.
ATI is not optional. It is as essential as clean air. It empowers citizens, strengthens democracy, and builds resilience against global risks. Above all, it is a universal promise: no one should be left in the dark.
By Tawfik Jelassi, Assistant Director-General for Communication and Information, UNESCO