WSIS Action Line: C3 Access to information and knowledge: “Investing in Equitable Knowledge Access: Diamond Open Access”
UNESCO
Session 388
Access to scientific knowledge is essential for sustainable development, innovation, and global collaboration. However, high publication costs, fragmented digital infrastructures, and limited regional capacities continue to impede equitable participation in research, particularly in the Global South. Advocating for the adoption of Diamond Open Access provides a transformative solution by ensuring inclusive access to scientific journals, books, and open archives, thus fostering a more interconnected and collaborative global research landscape.
In alignment with WSIS Action Line C3 (i), this session will examine strategies to strengthen Diamond Open Access as a means to democratise access to knowledge. It will highlight how policy frameworks, shared infrastructure, and international cooperation can enhance regional research capacities and ensure long-term sustainability. By advancing interoperable, community-driven publishing models, Diamond Open Access supports the implementation of UNESCO’s Recommendation on Open Science, removing financial barriers for authors and readers while fostering a more inclusive scientific ecosystem.
The discussion will centre on key findings from UNESCO’s Global Consultation on Diamond Open Access, providing evidence-based insights to inform policymaking at both global and regional levels. Panellists will engage in a dialogue about emerging policy trends, the importance of shared infrastructure, and the governance models that are vital for sustainability. Furthermore, the session will highlight collaborative initiative.
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C3. Access to information and knowledge
Ensuring equitable access to scientific knowledge involves more than mere policy commitments; it requires well-structured governance, sustainable infrastructure, and coordinated international efforts. This session will explore how regional infrastructure and capacity hubs can offer long-term support for Diamond Open Access, enhancing scientific collaboration and ensuring that knowledge remains accessible across diverse regions.
A key focus will be on integrating Diamond Open Access into national and regional Open Science policies, addressing structural barriers to implementation, and identifying best practices for fostering collaboration among governments, research institutions, and Open Science stakeholders. The session will also explore how regional infrastructure can enhance accessibility, facilitate knowledge exchange, and improve research dissemination.
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Goal 9: Build resilient infrastructure, promote sustainable industrialization and foster innovation
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Goal 10: Reduce inequality within and among countries
- Objective 1: Close all digital divides and accelerate progress across the Sustainable Development Goals
- Objective 4: Advance responsible, equitable and interoperable data governance approaches