WSIS Action Line C3: Guaranteeing the online space for all
UNESCO
Session 220
Access to information is a fundamental human right and an essential enabler for sustainable development. The WSIS Action Line C3 recognizes the importance of promoting universal access to information and knowledge. In today's digital age, new opportunities and challenges have emerged that require collaborative action.
Objectives
Ahead of the WSIS+20 review in 2025, this session aims to facilitate a multi-stakeholder dialogue on the progress, obstacles, and emerging trends related to access to information. It will explore innovative approaches and strategies to empower all stakeholders in leveraging the benefits of information and knowledge for inclusive development.
Session Overview
The 45-minute session will commence with opening remarks underscoring the significance of access to information in the digital era. It will then delve into the following key aspects:
- Achievements:
Highlighting advancements in legal frameworks, digital technologies, and capacity-building initiatives that have expanded access to information globally.
Highlighting the importance of digital connectivity and the free flow of, and access to, information as a vital means to support an open international community that upholds stability, security, rule of law, prosperity, and promotes sustainable development. - Key Challenges: Examining persistent barriers such as lack of implementation, digital divides, threats to media freedom, and the spread of disinformation and misinformation.
- Emerging Trends: Exploring the implications of emerging technologies like AI, data privacy concerns, the role of private platforms, and innovative approaches like data collaboratives and citizen science.
- Way Forward: Discussing strategies to strengthen normative frameworks, foster multi-stakeholder cooperation, invest in skills development, and promote universal access to information and knowledge for all.
The session is open to expert speakers from the WSIS multistakeholder community, including governments, civil society, the private sector, and international organizations.
Interactive discussions will encourage participants to share their perspectives, experiences, and best practices, fostering a collaborative approach to addressing the challenges and seizing the opportunities presented by the digital age.
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C3. Access to information and knowledge
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C11. International and regional cooperation
This session is focusing on WSIS Action Line C3, promoting universal access to information and knowledge.
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Goal 4: Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all
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Goal 9: Build resilient infrastructure, promote sustainable industrialization and foster innovation
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Goal 10: Reduce inequality within and among countries
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Goal 16: Promote just, peaceful and inclusive societies
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Goal 17: Revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development
SDG 16 - Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
Specifically, target 16.10 aims to "Ensure public access to information and protect fundamental freedoms, in accordance with national legislation and international agreements."
SDG 9 - Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
Access to information and communication technologies (ICTs) is crucial for achieving SDG 9, which calls for building resilient infrastructure and fostering innovation. ICT access enables knowledge sharing and guides how people live and work.
SDG 4 Quality Education
Access to information, along with ICT skills development, is linked to achieving quality education for all (SDG 4). For example, libraries contribute by promoting literacy, including digital literacy, and providing access to information resources.
Global report on the implementation of access to information laws (UNESCO, 2022)
UNESCO Massive Open Online Course: Access to Information Laws and Policies and their Implementation