UNESCO Beirut marks International Day for Universal Access to Information 2026
On the occasion of the International Day for Universal Access to Information (IDUAI) 2026, UNESCO Regional Office in Beirut convened stakeholders from government, civil society, academia, media, youth and the technology sector to explore the role of access to information in strengthening information integrity in Lebanon’s increasingly digital information environment.
Held under the patronage and presence of H.E. Dr. Paul Morcos, Minister of Information of Lebanon, the event explored this year’s global theme, “Upholding Information Integrity in the Digital Age: The Role of Access to Information in Addressing Information Disorder.”
Minister of Information H.E. Dr. Paul Morcos said: “The real challenge lies not only in legal provisions, but in turning the right to access information into a daily practice and a tangible reality. This is where the role of the Ministry of Information, in partnership with UNESCO, and the role of the National Anti-Corruption Commission come in: to translate this right into practice, not limited to making information available, but also contributing to building bridges between the State and citizens, between media institutions and the public, and between people and the knowledge that enables them to form informed views and make informed decisions.”
He added: “This includes ensuring timely access to information, facilitating journalists’ access to information, promoting fact-checking and addressing hate speech, contributing to a more transparent and responsible media environment and to a society better able to access and benefit from reliable knowledge.”
George Awad, Communication and Information Programme officer in his word on behalf of Mr. Paolo Fontani, Director of UNESCO Regional office in Beirut said “Access to information is not merely an administrative matter. It is closely linked to freedom of expression, transparency, accountability, participation and the right to know. When public information is available, timely, understandable and verifiable, citizens are better able to participate in public life and hold institutions to account. When access to information is difficult, delayed, fragmented or absent, an information gap emerges. And because information gaps do not remain empty for long, they are quickly filled by rumours, speculation, misleading and manipulated content.
During the first session, “Access to Information as the Foundation of Information Integrity,” experts shared their experiences and perspectives on the challenges of accessing, producing and verifying information in the Lebanese context, particularly in times of crisis. They also discussed the importance of transparency, proactive disclosure and access to public information in strengthening public trust and addressing the spread of misinformation and disinformation.
The second session, “Building Information Resilience through Media and Information Literacy,” focused on the role of Media and Information Literacy and digital literacy in enabling people, particularly young people, to access, verify and critically assess information. Speakers also reflected on the changing information environment shaped by social media, digital platforms and artificial intelligence, and the importance of developing the skills needed to navigate information responsibly, particularly during times of crisis.
The discussions underscored that strengthening information integrity requires collaboration across sectors and shared responsibility. By bringing different voices and experiences together around a shared commitment to accurate, credible and verified information, UNESCO continues to work with the Ministry of Information and partners in Lebanon to strengthen access to information, Media and Information Literacy and Freedom of Expression, and foster more informed, resilient and inclusive information ecosystems.
Source: Naharnet
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