On 17 November 2015, UNESCO’s General Conference adopted a resolution (38 C/70) declaring 28 September of every year as International Day for Universal Access to Information.
The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development recognizes the importance of public access to information within
Sustainable Development Goal 16 (Peace, justice and strong institutions) that covers the need to promote peaceful and inclusive societies.
This year the focus of the IDUAI will be on the right to information in times of crisis and on the advantages of having
constitutional, statutory and/or policy guarantees for public access to information to save lives,
Build trust and help the formulation of sustainable policies through and beyond the COVID-19 crisis.
The day had been recognised as International Right to Know Day since 2002 and was developed by international civil society advocates beginning in 2012.
The UNESCO resolution creating the day was pushed by African civil society groups seeking greater information transparency.