IAID and Solomon Lecture celebrate information access rights
The annual International Access to Information Day (IAID) will be celebrated on 28 September 2025, and OIC is encouraging the public sector and the community to mark this important day by brushing up on their knowledge about why information access rights exist and how open government ultimately benefits everyone.
IAID is a time to champion awareness and understanding of the importance of information access, proactively releasing government information to the community and strengthening trust in government through transparency.
Ten years ago, UNESCO’s General Conference first adopted International Day for Universal Access to Information. It was designed to recognise the right of the public to access information under Article 19 of the UN Declaration of Human Rights. Celebrating the day universally aims to raise awareness of every individual's right of access to government-held information, encouraging citizens and governments to support this fundamental human right by promoting open, democratic societies with full citizen empowerment.
This year’s UNESCO appointed theme for IAID is ‘Ensuring Access to Environmental Information in the Digital Age’.
It focuses on the vital importance of timely, comprehensive, and cross-border access to environmental information in an increasingly digital world. The theme also speaks to the need for collaborative and innovative global sharing of environmental data encompassing climate change, pollution, biodiversity and disaster risks.
The Solomon Lecture is a key OIC event that is held to coincide with IAID. The purpose of the lecture is to showcase and promote the importance of the Right to Information through inspiring and diverse keynote presentations that aim to be thought-provoking and generate discussion on matters pertinent to ensuring open and accountable government.
We are delighted that our 2025 keynote will be delivered by marine biologist, advocate and author Sheree Marris.
Sheree is one of Australia’s foremost environmental communicators. Her deep passion for the ocean and use of underwater photography helps bridge scientific research and public awareness. Sheree's keynote is titled, 'Reef of Truth: What Coral Can Teach Us About Power, Access and Action’.
An expert panel discussion will follow the lecture, featuring:
- Madonna King, journalist, emcee and panel moderator
- Professor Brendan Mackey, Director of Griffith University’s Climate Change Beacon
- Stephanie Winson, Right to Information Commissioner, Office of the Information Commissioner Queensland
- Sheree Marris, marine biologist, author and advocate.
The event will be held in Brisbane/Meanjin on 25 September from 9.30-11.30am at the State Library of Queensland. It is free to attend in-person (register at Humanitix) or watch via livestream.
OIC welcomes everyone to get involved, support this important campaign and champion information access rights and responsibilities.
Public sector agencies are encouraged to raise awareness with their staff, stakeholders and the community. A communications resource pack is available to help amplify key messages.
Visit our dedicated webpage for more information about IAID, resources and the Solomon Lecture.
