International Right To Know Day is on September 28. On this day, we celebrate our right to browse the internet, search for information, get it and post information on our social media or blogs! Can you imagine a world where you didn’t get to know everything you need? You’re reading this because you’re exercising the right to!
History of International Right To Know Day
Knowledge influences our thinking, reasoning, and the way we express ourselves. Most times, we make decisions based on facts and things we know. Since we live in a society in which we are codependent, it is important for us to know what is happening around us to take action for our safety and improvement. International Right To Know Day is a day on which we acknowledge our right to seek and access information.
The day was first inaugurated by a UNESCO Conference in 2002, after which it was adopted and developed by many international civil societies, which celebrated it in 2012. It was finally proclaimed in 2019 by the U.N. General Assembly as International Day for Universal Access to Information (IDUAI) and is officially celebrated on September 28.
International Right To Know Day came to be by the action of African civil societies who demanded transparency. A citizen’s right to know would stand as a check to the government’s actions and implementation of laws. International Right To Know Day does not only give citizens the power to actively participate in the political system of their countries, but it also backs the freedom of the press, making information dissemination easier. In Bulgaria, access to information is celebrated with an annual awards ceremony held by the Access to Information Program (AIP).
International Right To Know Day timeline
UNESCO creates the first International Right To Know Day.
AIP marks the day with an awards ceremony.
UNESCO declares September 28 as International Right To Know Day.
The 74th U.N. General Assembly proclaims International Day for Universal Access to Information.
International Right To Know Day FAQs
What is the theme of International Day for the Universal Access to Information, 2020?
In 2020, the theme of International Day for the Universal Access to Information was ‘Saving Lives, Building Trust, Bringing Hope.’ It was aimed at making information accessible in a time of crisis.
How can I contribute to promoting access to information?
You can help out by starting a blog, sharing news and information on your social media, and giving support to media houses.
Does the internet influence our right to know?
Yes. Most of the information we find on the internet demonstrates one person’s point of view, which can influence what we know and how we think.
How to Observe International Right To Know Day
Surf the internet
The internet is the easiest way to source info, so use this day to browse and learn many things. Visit various blogs and websites, and soak in all of that info!
Share a blog post
You exercise your right when you write, share, or read a blog post with your friends and family. By doing this, you are impacting others and helping them exercise their rights, too.
Stay updated
Watch the news, read the papers, listen to the radio — know what is happening around you. Whether the topic is on sports, politics, crime, or even the weather forecast, the more you know, the better!
5 Amazing Facts About The News
The oldest newspaper
The oldest news publication in the U.S. is the “New York Post,” running since 1801.
The first female news anchor
The first female news anchor on television was Barbara Walters in 1976.
The main source
As of 2018, it was found that most Americans get their information from TV and the internet.
Top news
Weather reports are ranked the 'most important news' for everyday life, ahead of crime and traffic news.
No more papers
The rate of newspaper circulation has dropped since 2018, as many users now source their information online.
Why International Right To Know Day is Important
We learn more
By celebrating our right to know, we learn more about things around us.
Know and bond
As we share and learn info with family and friends, we bond with them and grow closer.
We get smarter
Knowing more allows us to think deeper and more critically about things, and that makes us smarter!
International Right To Know Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | September 28 | Saturday |
| 2025 | September 28 | Sunday |
| 2026 | September 28 | Monday |
| 2027 | September 28 | Tuesday |
| 2028 | September 28 | Thursday |
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