International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA)
STATEMENT OF THE INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION OF LIBRARY ASSOCIATIONS AND INSTITUTIONS (IFLA) TO THE 10TH MEETING OF THE OPEN WORKING GROUP ON SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS DURING THE SESSION:
“Peaceful and non-violent societies, rule of law and capable institutions”.
The International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions – or IFLA – is the global voice of libraries and their users.
IFLA would like to thank the Co-Chairs for their recognition of access to information as a key facet of development under Focus Area 19. IFLA believes access to information empowers everyone, including those living in poverty, to exercise their political and socio-economic rights, be economically active, learn new skills, and hold their governments to account. As an organization concerned with the interests of over one billion registered library users worldwide, IFLA is committed to helping libraries implement development policies and deliver access to information in the community.
Regarding the focus areas currently before the OWG, IFLA supports text highlighting access to information as a tool to improve participation, transparency, governance, and freedom from corruption. Moving forward, we believe that targets and goals relating to access to information can be set, including some relating to:
• the public’s right to information and government data;
• increased transparency of public budgets;
• open access to scientific and research data;
• improved media and information literacy skills;
• increased public participation and citizen engagement;
• open government.
However, regarding the text currently before us in Focus Area 19, we believe that a concentration on ‘publicly owned information’ limits the scope of our ambition. With so many information resources available that can support development, and with increasing access to ICTs that can improve people’s ability to seek information relevant to improving their lives, it would be unnecessarily restrictive to limit ourselves to only promoting access to publicly owned information. IFLA understands recent concerns regarding unauthorized intrusion into people’s personal data but we feel there is much to be gained from a wider approach to information access. We will be happy to provide more resources to help Member States understand why a broad conception of access to information can help inform a transformative post-2015 development framework.
In conclusion, we should see information as a tool for improving outcomes in all development areas, and recognize that libraries are one of the institutions with the infrastructure and capacity to help implement this.
[FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT: STUART HAMILTON, IFLA DIRECTOR OF POLICY AND ADVOCACY, stuart.hamilton@ifla.org]
“Peaceful and non-violent societies, rule of law and capable institutions”.
The International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions – or IFLA – is the global voice of libraries and their users.
IFLA would like to thank the Co-Chairs for their recognition of access to information as a key facet of development under Focus Area 19. IFLA believes access to information empowers everyone, including those living in poverty, to exercise their political and socio-economic rights, be economically active, learn new skills, and hold their governments to account. As an organization concerned with the interests of over one billion registered library users worldwide, IFLA is committed to helping libraries implement development policies and deliver access to information in the community.
Regarding the focus areas currently before the OWG, IFLA supports text highlighting access to information as a tool to improve participation, transparency, governance, and freedom from corruption. Moving forward, we believe that targets and goals relating to access to information can be set, including some relating to:
• the public’s right to information and government data;
• increased transparency of public budgets;
• open access to scientific and research data;
• improved media and information literacy skills;
• increased public participation and citizen engagement;
• open government.
However, regarding the text currently before us in Focus Area 19, we believe that a concentration on ‘publicly owned information’ limits the scope of our ambition. With so many information resources available that can support development, and with increasing access to ICTs that can improve people’s ability to seek information relevant to improving their lives, it would be unnecessarily restrictive to limit ourselves to only promoting access to publicly owned information. IFLA understands recent concerns regarding unauthorized intrusion into people’s personal data but we feel there is much to be gained from a wider approach to information access. We will be happy to provide more resources to help Member States understand why a broad conception of access to information can help inform a transformative post-2015 development framework.
In conclusion, we should see information as a tool for improving outcomes in all development areas, and recognize that libraries are one of the institutions with the infrastructure and capacity to help implement this.
[FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT: STUART HAMILTON, IFLA DIRECTOR OF POLICY AND ADVOCACY, stuart.hamilton@ifla.org]