The Gabonese government marked the International Day for Universal Access to Information on September 28, with the country's Communication and Media Minister, Germain Biahodjow, emphasizing the need to preserve information integrity in the digital age. This day, established by the United Nations in 2019, aims to highlight the importance of access to information as a tool for transparency, good governance, and citizen participation.
This year's theme, "Preserving the integrity of information in the digital age, the role of access to information in the face of information disorder," underscores the challenges posed by the massive dissemination of digital content. According to Minister Biahodjow, the issue is no longer just about seeking, receiving, or communicating information, but also about verifying its reliability, accuracy, and authenticity.
The International Day for Universal Access to Information was initiated by UNESCO and is celebrated annually on September 28. The day seeks to promote the importance of access to information as a lever for development, citizen participation, and good governance. Minister Biahodjow stressed that providing real content to the right to know is essential for strengthening trust and empowering citizens to understand, participate, and act for the country's development.
The Minister also called for a better education on media and information to consolidate citizenship and trust in the public space. He invited all stakeholders to work together to promote quality information accessible to all and to combat disinformation. This approach aims to ensure that citizens have access to reliable information, enabling them to make informed decisions.
In Gabon, as in other countries, the digital age has transformed the way information is accessed, shared, and consumed. While this has opened up new opportunities for access to information, it has also created challenges related to information verification and reliability. The government has a crucial role to play in ensuring that citizens have access to accurate and trustworthy information.
The celebration of the International Day for Universal Access to Information in Gabon highlights the country's commitment to promoting access to information and transparency. It also underscores the need for collaboration between stakeholders to address the challenges posed by the digital age and to promote a culture of critical thinking and media literacy.
As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, the importance of preserving information integrity and promoting access to information will continue to grow. Gabon's efforts to promote these values are a step in the right direction, and it is hoped that other countries will follow suit.
Key points
- The Gabonese government is promoting access to information and transparency through education and awareness-raising initiatives.
- The International Day for Universal Access to Information aims to highlight the importance of access to information as a tool for development and good governance.
- Preserving information integrity in the digital age is a major challenge that requires collaboration between stakeholders.
