Policy Guidelines for the Development and Promotion of Governmental Public Domain Information by Paul F. Uhlir, UNESCO, May 2004.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has published a new set of policy guidelines intended to encourage member nations to publish government information.

“One of the greatest values associated with placing governmental information in the public domain is transparency of governance and the promotion of democratic ideals: equality, democracy, openness.”

and…

“Open and unrestricted dissemination of public information also enhances public health and safety, and the general social welfare, as citizens become better able to make informed decisions about their daily life, their environment, and their future.”

[Thanks Project on Government Secrecy]

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