Tehran – International Day for Universal Access to Information, observed every year on September 28th, 2025 highlights access to environmental information in the digital age, as universal access to information is the basis for transparency, participatory and accountable governance.
Universal access to information means that everyone has the right to seek, receive and communicate information. This right is an integral part of the right to freedom of expression. The media plays an important role in informing the public about issues of interest, but also relies on its ability to seek and receive information. Therefore, the right to universal access to information is also linked to the right to freedom of the press.
Digital technology can enhance public access, promote transparency and enable citizens and stakeholders to participate meaningfully in environmental governance and sustainable development.
This theme focuses on the important importance of timely, comprehensive, and transnational access to environmental information in an increasingly digital world.
Environmental data covers climate change, pollution, biodiversity and disaster risks, requiring cross-border information collaborative, transparency and innovative global sharing.
Access to information is particularly important for groups at risk of environmental disasters caused by climate change.
Universal access to information is important. Access to environmental information is important. This is deeply related to international environmental governance frameworks such as the Paris Agreement (2015) and the Rio Declaration on Environmental Development (1992). These international products provide legal and normative foundations that support citizens’ rights to know and enable governments to support accountability in environmental policy.
Thus, universal access to information is the basis of healthy and comprehensive knowledge associations.
In November 2015, the United Nations Education, Science and Cultural Organizations (UNESCO) declared September 28th as the International Day for Universal Access to Information. The United Nations General Assembly also adopted the same day in 2019 as an international day for universal access to information.
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