DA2I​

There is no doubt that access to information is essential to achieving development across the board. And it is only when it is free, safe, and open for all, with communities who know how to find, apply and reuse information, that access can help everyone to improve their lives.

Libraries, as trusted, established and cost-effective partners, with skilled library staff sensitive to local needs, can help governments to achieve their commitment to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

As part of IFLA’s strong advocacy and capacity building efforts, IFLA, in partnership with the Technology and Social Change Group (TASCHA), recently launched the first Development and Access to Information (DA2I) 2017 report. The report offers a conceptual framework and indicators for measuring meaningful access to information around the world. It also sets out evidence of the unique contribution of libraries to delivering access, and emphasises how access to information is essential to achieving key SDGs.

The report shows UN Member States, intergovernmental organizations, funders, civil society, and others, that meaningful access to information is not achievable without libraries. To take this message to the heart of the UN, IFLA launched the first DA2I report in New York during the UN High Level Political Forum.

IFLA Secretary General Gerald Leitner opened the official launch event at The New York Public Library, followed by IFLA President Donna Scheeder. We were honoured to be joined by Maher Nasser, UN Acting Under-Secretary General for Communications, representing the UN Secretary-General; Chris Coward, Co-Founder and Director of TASCHA; Nick Ashton Hart, and Vusumuzi Ntonga, Deputy Permanent Representative of Zimbabwe to the UN. Gerald Leitner closed the event.

 
 
 
 
 

The DA2I report is an affirmation of the role of libraries, and supports IFLA’s efforts to ensure that libraries are at the heart of policies for development. IFLA invites you to download and read the report and supporting materials, and to think of innovative ways to use it, both on- and offline.

If you are attending WLIC 2017, don’t miss the Action for Development through Libraries Programme (ALP) Session (Session 208) on Wednesday 23 August 2017 at 13:45 in the Auditorium Hall to learn more.

Stay tuned for more DA2I sessions and events in the following months here: DA2I.ifla.org! 

DA2I