Knowledge
Creating, disseminating and sharing knowledge
Knowledge and information shape the lives of all people worldwide and change societies. Knowledge and information contribute to a dignified human development only if it emerges on the basis of a free social order and if it influences decision-making. Independent and scientific research and teaching are thus needed to create knowledge, as well as freedom of the press and expression, and free digital communication channels to disseminate this knowledge.
Science
In many countries, science and evidence-based decision-making are increasingly discredited. Scientists are hindered in their work. Restrictions emerge to travel, research and publishing freely. Results and data may not be published, methods and findings are politically distorted and leadership positions of research institutions politically occupied. Governments are cutting public funding, confiscating research, censoring data and censoring press releases. At the same time, too often research is not sufficiently geared towards its full potential for much-needed transformation of world society for a humane and sustainable life.
Knowledge societies
Innovative knowledge societies require a free, open, human rights-based and trustworthy Internet. People need free and easy access to information resources. They should actively participate in the exchange of knowledge. Net neutrality is an essential prerequisite for equal use of the Internet. For the further development of innovative modern knowledge societies, press freedom and freedom of expression are indispensable.