International Right to Know Day

International Right to Know Day is celebrated annually on September 28. The day promotes the public’s right to access information held by governments, institutions, and other public bodies. Access to reliable information supports transparency, accountability, informed decision-making, and democratic participation.

History of International Right to Know Day

International Right to Know Day originated in 2002 when freedom-of-information organizations from around the world met in Sofia, Bulgaria, and established a day dedicated to promoting access to information. The observance gained international recognition as awareness of transparency and open government continued to grow.

In 2019, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) formally recognized September 28 as the International Day for Universal Access to Information, reinforcing the importance of access to information as a fundamental right.

Interesting Facts About International Right to Know Day

• The observance promotes transparency, accountability, and public participation in government.
• More than 130 countries have adopted laws that provide some form of public access to government information.
• Access to information helps citizens monitor public spending, policies, and decision-making processes.
• Journalists, researchers, and civil society organizations rely on information-access laws to investigate matters of public interest.

How International Right to Know Day Is Observed

Many organizations mark the day by hosting conferences, workshops, public discussions, and educational campaigns about transparency and freedom of information. Individuals can learn more about access-to-information laws, explore public data resources, support open-government initiatives, and share information about the importance of transparency and informed citizenship.

When Is International Right to Know Day in 2026?

International Right to Know Day is observed annually on September 28.

Observations