In many parts of the world, at-risk communities do not always know how to prepare, respond, and recover from disasters. Sometimes communities are “caught by surprise”. In situations like this, it is often not the lack of hazard information but the lack of access to information that puts communities at risk. As the earlier examples in this module show, access to critical information empowers people to make informed decisions and take appropriate actions. 

Access to information is also a key driver for the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG Goal 16 which promotes 'just, peaceful and inclusive societies'. UNESCO advocates for access to information as 'a fundamental freedom and a key pillar in building inclusive knowledge societies'. Watch the video from UNESCO recognizing access to information as a universal right:

• Read UNESCO’s take on “access to information (click here)” and “open access to scientific information (click here)"
• Check out the RTI rating website (click here) for more information on the right of access to information and its legislative framework.