Access to Information

It is the position of United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) that democratic governance is central to achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), and that access to information is a prerequisite "for ensuring the voice and participation necessary for a democratic society." The Access to Information Practice Note provides "a strategic framework for the support UNDP provides to access to information". The publication is designed primarily to assist UNDP governance practitioners in understanding UNDP's support for work in efforts to provide access to information.

Part I: UNDP and Access to Information
This section of the publication describes what UNDP means by "access to information", introduces a conceptual framework for information and communication, and describes how UNDP can make a difference in this area. The conceptual model introduced is based on three interrelated principals: transparency; active participation; and responsiveness/accountability. The publication describes how each of these elements is strengthened by particular types of access to information, and how they work together to bring forward democratic governance.

Part II: Practical Guidance for Programming
The second section provides UNDP with practical guidance for offering support in increasing access to information. Primary areas of support suggested are:

1. Strengthening the legal and regulatory environment for freedom and pluralism in information
2. Supporting capacity strengthening, networking, and elevation of standard of media at national and local levels to promote the exchange of independent and pluralist information
3. Raising awareness on the right to official information and strengthening mechanisms to provide access to information
4. Strengthening communication mechanisms for vulnerable groups

Also included in this section are some general guidelines for effective programming in access to information:

• establishing a baseline;
• reviewing access to information proposals; and
• building partnerships.