Transforming digital divide into dividend through universal access

To mark the International Day for Universal Access to Information (IDUAI), the Ministry of Telecommunication, Digital Infrastructure and Foreign Employment of the Government of Sri Lanka and UNESCO are co-organising a two-day flagship event on the theme ‘The Asian Digital Revolution: Transforming the Digital Divide into a Dividend through Universal Access’. 

The event is taking place in Colombo, and is part of the IDUAI commemorations being observed around the world. 

The UNESCO global event in Colombo 28-29 September consists of international panels, expert workshops and accompanying high-level events. Yesterday during the opening session, the keynote address was delivered by Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, while the ministerial statement was given by Minister of Telecommunication, Digital Infrastructure and Foreign Employment Harin Fernando.

UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azouly in her message on the occasion said, “In a highly interconnected global society, a lack of equal access to information is a sure way to increase marginalisation and rapid exclusion from the rest of the world. The purpose of this International Day is to remind governments and all stakeholders in civil society of the need to ensure truly universal access to information.”  

During his opening address at the Colombo event, UNESCO New Delhi Director Eric Falt said, “New technologies provide opportunities and bring about progress, often strengthening access to information and knowledge. Unfortunately, the same technologies also come with a host of challenges, causing disruptions whose effects can be especially pronounced in developing and middle-income countries. UNESCO will be reflecting on these matters with experts and officials on the occasion of the International Day for Universal Access to Information.”  

Areas for deliberation over the next two days will include the digital divide in Asia; new technologies and sustainable development; open solutions for universal access; and countering online challenges to fundamental rights and freedoms. The worldwide commemoration of IDUAI on 28 September reinforces UNESCO’s mission to support its 195 Member States to build knowledge societies characterised by universal access to information and knowledge; respect for cultural and linguistic diversity; freedom of expression; and quality education for all.

The celebration of the IDUAI and resulting deliberations also support efforts to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Targets 16.10 and 9c, which call upon governments and other stakeholders to “ensure public access to information and protect fundamental freedoms” and to “increase access to information and communication technology and strive to provide universal and affordable access to the Internet in least developed countries by 2020”.