UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, 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," the document says. "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." The UNESCO document describes a policy framework through which governments can promote the dissemination and use of official information.