World Development Information Day in a Nutshell

Today’s date in the calendar, October 24, stands for World Development Information Day. Since 1972, when the United Nations (UN) Assembly established this day, it is marked worldwide with the key aim to draw attention to the importance of improving the dissemination of information and mobilizing public opinion, with emphasis among young people. According to the UN, the Assembly decided that the date for the Day should coincide with United Nations Day, 24 October, which was also the date of the adoption, in 1970, of the International Development Strategy for the Second United Nations Development Decade.

Marking of World Development Information Day

Marking this day represents a good chance for all institutional, civic actors to see through cooperation possibilities in drawing public attention toward the role of development issues. If public attention is not focused on such issues, countries around the world cannot be (better) equipped in solving the problems. This day promotes every effort taken for cooperation bringing development, growth and prosperity.

Some years before this day became an international event, in 1964, the UN General Assembly established The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD).  UNCTAD functions as part of the UN secretariat with the main aim to support developing countries to access the benefits of a globalized economy more fairly and effectively. They equip people to deal with the potential drawbacks of greater economic integration. According to UNCTAD, this helps them to use trade, investment, finance, and technology as vehicles for inclusive and sustainable development.

Globalization and Information Era

We are witnessing a colossal presence of information and communication technologies in very important aspects of our lives. Today, development goes hand-to-hand with the chance to effectively participate in community life by making choices that fit one’s well-being best. As we previously discussed in the “International Day for Universal Access to Information” article, a democratic, healthy society cannot exist without the right to know. It is essential for people to enjoy access to a variety of information in order to participate effectively in public policies that affect the society and their own prospects.

Along these lines, the General Assembly Resolution on Information and communications technologies for development,  states that:

“Information and communications technologies have the potential to provide new solutions to development challenges, particularly in the context of globalization, and can foster economic growth, competitiveness, access to information and knowledge, poverty eradication and social inclusion.”

Technologies remain necessary and vital to solving development obstacles. This statement gets even stronger in the globalized reality we all are living in.  Recent years have seen increased attention to the correlation between development and technology.

The UN’s Economic Committee asserts that information, communications technologies have tremendous potential to promote the development and bring countries out of poverty. Hence, the international community should use the power of technology in support of the development of all. An important issue highlighted here is the large digital divide remained between the developed and the developing world. It is demanded from states to place greater emphasis on the transfer of information and technology, as each was vital to develop countries’ participation in the global economy.

Communication tools and technological advances are driving energy for development. We must use existing technologies to offer better and more efficient services. Check out our recent article “Relationship Between Technological Advancement and Better Living Standards” to learn more.

Contribute by first knowing all Sustainable Goals

If you have been reading my previous pieces on marking International Days, you are already familiar with the essential importance of UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals. UN believes that these Goals are the blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all. They address the global challenges we face, including poverty, inequality, climate change, environmental degradation, peace and justice. These goals acknowledge and address the common worldwide challenges, aimed to be achieved by 2030.

Nevertheless, some goals may differ in accordance to specific needs of a community or society. The weight toward achieving them lays in each of us.

To work, advocate and achieve growth and accomplishment among all people, regardless of their financial status, let’s recall 17 Sustainable Development Goals, so you can know what you need or can contribute the most.

• No poverty
• Zero hunger
• Good health and well-being
• Quality education
• Gender equality
• Clean water and sanitation
• Affordable and clean energy
• Decent work and economic growth
• Industry, innovation, and infrastructure
• Reduced inequalities
• Sustainable cities and communities
• Responsible consumption and production
• Climate action
• Life below water
• Life on land
• Peace, justice and strong institutions
• Partnerships for the goals.

Observation

Each year around the world are hosted different events in honor of 24^th of October. Conferences, workshops, training, awareness campaigns and media promotion are usually organized in observing this day.

For a start, join the observation of World Development Information Day by simply sharing this piece and spreading the word.

Photos: Shutterstock / Edited by: Martina Advaney

Reach out the author via Twitter if you know any young person contributing toward a more developed world. More articles on celebrating World Days with Youth Time Magazine:

International Day of Charity: Nourishing Human Spirit

World Youth Skills Day: Aspiring to Develop a Resilient Youth

International Day for Universal Access to Information

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