If you ask any Jamaican parent, they will tell you that back in the day they had to spend countless hours at the library doing research for projects, but now children have easier access to information.

With the tap of a screen and a quick Google search, we can know anything without leaving the comfort of our home.

International Day for Universal Access to Information is one such thing that has made this reality possible and is celebrated on September 28 each year.

This year’s theme is ‘Artificial Intelligence, e-Governance and Access to Information’.

This conference is set to take place in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. It will include a high-level opening roundtable talk on Access to Information and Artificial Intelligence with international experts.

The day advocates for easy access to any kind of information, supporting the idea that everyone around the globe has the fundamental right to seek, receive and disseminate information.

Founded by the United Nations on November 17, 2015, the day also recognises the rights to freedom of speech, information and expression.

The right to information is necessary for making decisions, engaging in democratic government, and increasing openness.

Information also allows citizens to have access to knowledge about how they are being governed and builds a ground for a fight against corruption. 

So, the next time you take out your phone to do a Google search, remember the hard work of those who made it possible and continue to advocate for easier access to information.