IFLA, together with almost 200 civil society organisations, is calling on the United Nations to put good governance, access to information and independent media at the centre of the post-2015 development agenda.

The joint statement, coordinated by ARTICLE 19 and the Global Forum for Media Development (GFMD), say access to information and media freedom are vital elements for a future development plan. Systems that allow people to hold governments accountable are fundamental to achieving economic growth, social equality and environmental sustainability.

It’s crucial that the UN recognise the broad base of support for including media freedom and access to information as essential elements of the new development agenda. Creating open governments is a fundamental prerequisite to ensure meaningful development.”
Thomas Hughes, Executive Director of ARTICLE 19

Freedom of expression is a fundamental human right. IFLA welcomes the joint statement on the importance of freedom of speech and independent media in the post-2015 development agenda. As gateways to information and ideas, libraries and other intermediaries support good governance by providing the access to information and media, and skills, needed to help make informed decisions.”
Sinikka Sipilä, IFLA President

The coalition urges the UN to:

  • establish a specific goal to “ensure good governance and effective institutions
  • include as components of this goal a clause to “ensure people enjoy freedom of speech, association, peaceful protest and access to independent media and information” and to “guarantee the public’s right to information and access to government data.”

IFLA continues to advocate for the role of access to information at meetings of the Open Working Group on Sustainable Development Goals. IFLA, together with Article 19, Beyond Access, CIVICUS and Development Initiatives, will participate in their 8th meeting in New York this week.

For more information about IFLA’s work on libraries and development, visit the IFLA website.