Development and Access to Information 2019

Abstract

In response to governments’ commitment to promote meaningful access to information (A2I) as part of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, the report provides a range of indicators of how well countries are performing. Looking at four different pillars of access – connectivity, social and cultural norms, skills and laws – it gives insights into the different dimensions of meaningful access to information. Drawing on the rich experience of IFLA, it also includes a particular focus on libraries, sharing evaluated case-studies of how they promote more socially and economically inclusive societies. Finally, each DA2I report has a focus on the SDGs selected for review at the HLPF in the year of publication. The 2019 edition features thematic chapters by guest authors on how access to information promotes the achievement of each of the following SDGs: Quality Education (SDG 4), Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8), Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10), Climate Action (SDG 13), and Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions (SDG 16). The report was presented on 23 May 2019, during the IFLA President’s Meeting in Buenos Aires, Argentina.