Katiba Institute, in partnership with the Media Council of Kenya, will host this year’s International Day for Universal Access to Information (IDUAI) on 27 September in Nairobi. Universal access to information means everyone has the right to seek, receive and impart information. This right is an integral part of the right to freedom of expression. The day serves as a platform to assess progress made in promoting access to information since the adoption of the UN Sustainable Development Agenda.

The theme of the 2024 Nairobi Conference on Universal Access to Information is “Mainstreaming Access to Information and Participation in a Digitised Public Sector.” This aligns with the global theme, which is “Mainstreaming Access to Information and Participation in the Public Sector.” The conference will explore how mainstreaming Access to Information (ATI) across government can enhance the right to information. Technology’s role in enhancing access to information will also be at the centre of the discussions.

As a tradition, participants will evaluate the status of access to information while highlighting the milestones and challenges in actualising the right to information.

Through the panel discussion, the conference will unpack some of the best practices for mainstreaming the right to information into different public entities’ organisational systems and cultures.

History of the Day

The 74th UN General Assembly proclaimed 28 September as the International Day for Universal Access to Information (IDUAI) at the UN level in October 2019 due to the significance of access to information. The day was proclaimed by the UNESCO General Conference in 2015, following the adoption of the 38 C/Resolution 57, which declared 28 September every year as International Day for Universal Access to Information (IDUAI). The day marks a global commitment to ensuring everyone has the right to seek and share information.