International Access to Information Day 2025

On 28 September every year we celebrate International Access to Information Day (IAID). In 2025, UNESCO has appointed the theme: ‘Ensuring Access to Environmental Information in the Digital Age’.

IAID raises awareness of every individual’s right of access to government-held information; and the public sector’s responsibility to release information if it’s in the public interest to do so.

Whether you’re a member of the community, or if you work in the public sector, IAID is a great opportunity to brush up on your knowledge about information access rights and responsibilities.

Proactively releasing information helps create a foundation for accountable and transparent government, and it encourages public participation in civil society.

“Ensuring Access to Environmental Information in the Digital Age”, focuses on the vital importance of timely, comprehensive, and cross-border access to environmental information in an increasingly digital world. Environmental data, encompassing climate change, pollution, biodiversity, and disaster risks, transcends national borders, necessitating collaborative, transparent, and innovative global sharing of information. This theme also highlights how digital technologies and open data platforms can enhance public access, foster transparency, and empower citizens and stakeholders to participate meaningfully in environmental governance and sustainable development.

IAID is also a timely reminder for public sector agencies to review and improve how they proactively release information to the community, to help foster greater trust and transparency. This is consistent with Queensland’s Right to Information Act 2009.

We encourage everyone to join the IAID conversation on social media and use the following hashtags:
#IAID2025 #IAID2025Qld #AccessToEnvironmentalInformation #InformationAcessRights #RightToInformation #RTI

A key activity of our celebrations during IAID is the Solomon Lecture and in 2025 will feature guest keynote marine biologist, advocate and author Sheree Marris. Sheree has a deep passion for the ocean and uses underwater photography to help bridge scientific research and public awareness. Sheree is one of Australia’s foremost environmental communicators, appearing in the media, contributing to publications, and engaging with audiences through public speaking at events.