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2026 Theme - Upholding Information Integrity in the Digital Age: The role of access to Information in addressing Information Disorder

In a digital world overflowing with information, misinformation and disinformation, access alone is not enough: people also need timely, reliable information. Timely and credible public information can strengthen trust, support informed decisions and help people participate meaningfully in society.

The 2026 International Day for Universal Access to Information focuses on “Upholding Information Integrity in the Digital Age: The role of access to information in addressing information disorder.” The Day explores how access to reliable official information, proactive disclosure, media and information literacy, credible data and digital technologies can contribute to a healthier information environment.

The global conference marking the Day takes place on 28 September 2026, organized by UNESCO in collaboration with the Government of Sierra Leone.

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2026 UNESCO Survey on Public Access to Information

As the UN custodian agency for SDG 16.10.2, UNESCO monitors progress in the adoption and implementation of guarantees for public access to information. In 2025, 123 countries and territories participated in its Survey on Public Access to Information, while 141 countries and territories had a legal guarantee of access to information.

  

Stress test: Putting the right to information to the test

Having an access-to-information law is one thing. How well does it work in practice? UNESCO and the Centre for Law and Democracy are putting that question to the test by submitting identical information requests to public authorities in 120 countries with right-to-information laws. During the International Day for Universal Access to Information 2025, UNESCO and the Centre for Law and Democracy (CLD) launched the Global ‘Stress Test’ of the Right to Know. The results will be presented during the 2026 observance.

Background

Information is power

Informed citizens can make informed decisions, for instance, when going to the polls. Only when citizens know how they are governed, can they hold their governments accountable for their decisions and actions. Information is power. Therefore, universal access to information is a cornerstone of healthy and inclusive knowledge societies.

What do we mean when we say, “universal access to information”?

Universal access to information means that everyone has the right to seek, receive and impart information. This right is an integral part of the right to freedom of expression. The media plays a crucial role in informing the public about issues of interest, but it relies on the ability to seek and receive information, too. Hence, the right to universal access to information is also bound up with the right to freedom of the press.

Proclaiming the International Day

On 17 November 2015, the (UNESCO)  28 September as International Day for Universal Access to Information. Considering that several civil society organizations and government bodies in the world have adopted and currently celebrate this observance, the UN General Assembly also 28 September 2019 as the International Day for Universal Access to Information.

Stakeholder participation in international discussions

UNESCO and its intergovernmental programs - the and the - provide a platform and frame for all the stakeholders to participate in international discussions on policy and guidelines in the area of access to information. Both programs also enable positive environment for ATI to flourish through the development of projects aimed to strengthen open science, multilingualism, ICTs for disabled and marginalized, and media and information literacy.

Global Conference on Universal Access to Information 2026

28–30 September 2026

Hosted in Sierra Leone by UNESCO and The Government of the Republic of Sierra Leone, the Global Conference to commemorate the International Day for Universal Access to Information 2026, and the 17th edition of the International Conference of Information Commissioners will be held 28 - 30 September 2026, at the Julius Maada Bio International Conference Centre, Lungi, Freetown, Sierra Leone.

Videos

Spread of Hatred & Lies Online Causing Harm to our World | Principles for Information Integrity

Information in today's context of digitalization

Resources

Related Websites

Documents

  • (October 2019)
  • (2019)

The UNESCO (IPDC) provides support for media projects and seeks an accord to secure a healthy environment for the growth of free and pluralistic media in developing countries. The IPDC strives to realize more effective media projects that empower people to gain equitable access to knowledge and express themselves through free and pluralistic media. 

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The United Nations Global Principles for Information Integrity set out a vision for a healthier information ecosystem where people can express themselves freely, make informed choices and have greater control over their online experiences and personal data. They aim to address imbalances in global information flows, support those sharing facts in the public interest and protect vulnerable voices targeted by disinformation and hate. The Principles call on States, technology companies, media and civil society to help build an information environment grounded in choice, freedom, privacy and safety for all.

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International days and weeks are occasions to educate the public on issues of concern, to mobilize political will and resources to address global problems, and to celebrate and reinforce achievements of humanity. The existence of international days predates the establishment of the United Nations, but the UN has embraced them as a powerful advocacy tool. We also mark other UN observances.