International Day for Universal Access to Information, 28 September 2025

Each year on 28 September, the world observes the International Day for Universal Access to Information. Established by UNESCO and the United Nations, this day reaffirms the public’s right to seek, receive, and share knowledge. It emphasizes that everyone should be able to access accurate and useful information, no matter where they are. By celebrating the free flow of knowledge, openness, and inclusion, this day highlights values essential for advancing education, sparking innovation, and driving sustainable development worldwide.

Those same values lie at the heart of the Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN). Founded to break down barriers between disciplines, countries, and communities, USERN promotes “Science Without Borders,” creating opportunities for collaboration and evidence-based policymaking. Its mission is to make cutting-edge knowledge and ensure that scientific progress benefits society globally.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is one of the most transformative forces shaping how information is produced, shared, and applied. From research and healthcare to education and policymaking, AI tools are revolutionizing our understanding of science and society — opening new opportunities while also raising new ethical and policy challenges.

Reflecting this commitment, USERN this year published “Artificial Intelligence in Science and Society: The Vision of USERN.” This collective position paper, authored by USERN’s Advisory Board members together with AI experts, examines the state of AI today and its implications for research, ethics, and public life. It explores definitions of intelligence and consciousness, surveys applications across disciplines, and offers recommendations for maximizing the benefits of AI while managing its risks. While the article reflects the perspectives of its authors and may carry inherent biases, it draws on decades of interdisciplinary experience and provides a wide-angle view of how AI is reshaping our future.

As AI continues to transform how information flows across borders, USERN invites a global conversation on building a future where science, technology, and society evolve together, guided by transparency, collaboration, and universal access to knowledge.

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