Build Trust. Build Back. Build Better.

Most of us can’t even imagine a day without our mobile phone. We walk around every day with access to nearly all the information in the world in our pockets. We can check when our next appointment is, read the news, order dinner, or find directions to a place we want to visit. This small device is something that has become an integral part of our lives.

But today, on September 28, the International Day for Universal Access to Information, I’m reminded that there are many people around the world who don’t have access to even the most basic information.

The United Nations (UN) considers universal access to information to be a cornerstone of a healthy and inclusive knowledge society. In 2015, the UN declared September 28 as International Day for Universal Access to Information to increase awareness of the fact that informed citizens can make informed decisions. I couldn’t agree more. With universal access to information, everyone can seek, receive, and impart information, and this is also an integral part of the right to freedom of expression.

In 2021, the focus is on “expanding access to information laws, and their implementation worldwide to build back strong institutions for sustainable development and to uphold the vision of information as a public good, as well as to strengthen international cooperation in the field of implementing the right to information as a fundamental right.”

To build strong institutions for sustainable development, we need to think beyond just providing access to information. We also need to consider new ways of sharing information. We need to focus on ways to create a culture of continuous learning and support people to proactively seek out information. People deserve the opportunity to collect diverse insights to topics of interest and from diverse sources in a diverse and globally connected world society. We need to make sure quality information is available when and where people need it to help build trust.

As more and more companies begin and progress on their digital transformation journeys, empowering their employees with the information they need to be productive with technologies and processes is at the forefront of the digitalization discussion. Solutions for the enablement of users and platforms for digital adoption make it possible for organizations to provide their employees with the most up-to-date documentation when and where they need it.

When people know and understand tasks and processes inside out, they can also see opportunities for optimization throughout an entire process. This can lead to further innovation, more sustainable business processes, and improved performance over time.

This is only in the business context. Imagine what we could achieve by ensuring access to quality information for people all over the world! When people have access to information, they can make choices that support their well-being and that of their family and friends, and it all starts with education and enabling people, not only to access information, but also to evaluate the information they access.

One of the major learnings from the past year has been the importance of information flow in all aspects of our lives. As we continue to get used to this new normal, we have an opportunity to re-examine the status quo and consider new ways of doing things to help us build back better than before by ensuring, not only access to information, but also access to quality information that people can trust to help them make informed decisions about their lives.

?

?

?

?

?