During the 217th session of the UNESCO Executive Council held from October 4 to 18 in Paris, a pivotal moment was witnessed as Uzbekistan's initiative, the "Tashkent Declaration on the International Day of Free Access to Information," secured unanimous endorsement.
Background
The Tashkent Declaration found its origins in an international conference themed "Artificial Intelligence, Electronic Governance, and Freedom of Information," held in Tashkent from September 28-29, 2022. This event, organized in collaboration with UNESCO, coincided with the International Freedom of Information Day. This day has been globally celebrated since its inauguration in 2019, with September 28 being recognized by the United Nations General Assembly as International Freedom of Information Day.
Uzbekistan's initiative was presented as a draft resolution at the 217th session of the Executive Council, featuring as a new item on the agenda. The document garnered support from 20 countries, co-sponsoring the resolution. These countries include Andorra, Algeria, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Kuwait, Egypt, Morocco, Syria, Sudan, Tunisia, Palestine, Palau, Sri Lanka, Hungary, Lebanon, Liberia, Zimbabwe, and Chile.
International Recognition and Support
The resolution conveys appreciation to the Uzbekistan government for hosting events in Tashkent from September 28-29, 2022, coinciding with International Freedom of Information Day. The document underscores the significance of these activities in advancing the use of information to promote human rights and sustainable development, in line with the principles outlined in the Tashkent Declaration.
Next Steps
The resolution's unanimous approval opens the pathway for the "Tashkent Declaration on Freedom of Information" to be included in the agenda of the 42nd session of the UNESCO General Conference, scheduled to convene from November 7-22, 2023, in Paris. The Executive Board's endorsement is expected to receive full backing during the General Conference, cementing global commitment to the principles articulated in the Tashkent Declaration.
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