A Decade of Disclosure: Information is Power for People and Planet
On September 28, the world observes the International Day for Universal Access to Information (IDUAI), an annual observance now deeply rooted in global governance thanks to its proclamation by UNESCO in 2015 and later by the UN General Assembly in 2019. This year’s theme, “Ensuring Access to Environmental Information in the Digital Age,” focused on the vital importance of timely, comprehensive, and cross-border access to environmental information in an increasingly digital world.
The year 2025 is particularly significant as it marks the 10th anniversary of the day’s designation, a milestone that is being celebrated at the Global Conference hosted by UNESCO and the Government of the Republic of the Philippines in Manila on September 29–30, 2025. One of the core problems in the environmental studies landscape is politicised environmental data. For example, certain states refuse to recognise the estimation of their carbon emissions. Some states deny accountability in a lot of regards. It truly reminds us of Jim Clyburn’s iconic quote: Environmental policy must strike a balance between the earth’s best interests and our citizens’ pressing needs.
This year’s theme focuses on the critical link between environment and information. Furthermore, this principle is even more crucial to countries extremely vulnerable to climate change, just like Bangladesh. It extends directly to Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), which Share-Net Bangladesh champions. If we look at this through the lens of SDGs, particularly Targets 3.7 and 5.6, universal access to comprehensive sexual and reproductive health information and education is foundational for informed decision-making and bodily autonomy. Without transparent, accessible information, individuals cannot make life-saving decisions about their health, just as communities cannot advocate for policies to protect them from climate-related disasters.
Bangladesh marked IDUAI with a strong show of commitment to the principle of transparency. The Information Commission of Bangladesh organised an elaborate programme, which featured a key seminar in Dhaka. The event was attended by multiple Ministry of Information and Broadcasting officials, Advisors from the Advisory panel of Bangladesh and featured an important keynote by Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) Executive Director Dr Iftekharuzzaman.
The increasing digital flow of environmental data on climate change, pollution, and disaster risks demands collaborative and open platforms. This digital access is not only about environmental governance but also about empowering citizens to hold authorities accountable on issues that directly impact their lives and rights, including their SRHR, making the right to know a universal tool for a more just and sustainable future. Let us all remember that ensuring access to environmental data is of incredible significance, especially for the next generation.
Sources: 1. Ensuring Access to Environmental Information in the Digital Age 2. IDUAI_UNESCO