LEARN MORE
-
WHAT IS THE IDENTITY DAY CAMPAIGN?The Identity Day (ID Day) Campaign aims to establish worldwide recognition of 16 September as Identity Day to underscore the fundamental importance of having verifiable proof of identity. This campaign addresses the lack of a commemorative day for identity despite it being a fundamental human right and practical necessity in our digital era. The chosen date, 16 September (16.9), symbolically references UN Sustainable Development Goal 16.9, which calls for providing legal identity, including birth registration, to all individuals by 2030.
-
WHAT IS IT'S OBJECTIVE?ID Day aims to raise awareness about the sobering reality that an estimated 850 million people worldwide, particularly in Africa, still lack any form of official identification – underscoring the ongoing imperative to achieve total inclusion. The campaign reminds those fortunate enough to possess identification, of the critical need to actively secure their identities against theft and safeguard their privacy. Furthermore, ID Day presents an opportunity for the identified to reflect on how their legal identity empowers and facilitates innumerable aspects of their lives. In general, ID Day aims to spur dialogue, drive action, and uphold every human's fundamental right to legal identity. It is a rallying call for the world to ensure no individual remains invisible or vulnerable due to lack of identification, or that the identified do not fall victim to irresponsible management of their identity.
-
WHY 16 SEPT?The chosen date, 16 September (16.9), symbolically references UN Sustainable Development Goal 16.9, which calls for providing legal identity, including birth registration, to all individuals by 2030
-
HOW CAN YOU SUPPORT ID DAY?Whether you represent an organization or have a personal interest in ID Day there are many ways to support this important campaign. Aside from becoming a Coalition Partner or Friend of the Coalition, consider holding activities that help to drive awareness. Check out the ID Day Activities page or download a copy of the Campaign Guidance Document for a few creative ideas you can explore to show your support (download here). Remember to share your activities with us to inspire others!
WHAT DO WE
COMMEMORATE
ON ID DAY?
Identity Day is a moment for us to pause and reflect on three (3) fundamentals in identity: Inclusion, Protection, and Empowerment.
INCLUSION
ID Day sensitizes us to the plight of those who lack proof of identity (estimated at 850 million, with about half in Africa) and reaffirms our commitment to achieving total inclusion, so that no one is left behind.
PROTECTION
ID Day is a reminder, for those who have proof of identification, to verify that their identity is secured against theft and their privacy is protected. It reaffirms that protecting our most valuable asset is an ongoing concern.
EMPOWERMENT
ID Day is also an opportunity for those who possess identification, to assess whether they are reaping the highest returns on their identity by asking how well their identity can be used to empower them and facilitate various aspects of daily life. It is the ideal occasion to call on service providers to adopt identity-enabled service delivery.
For further information, download a copy of the ID Day Practical Guide: Here.
WHO ELSE IS SUPPORTING THE CALL?
Nearly 250 international organizations support the call as Coalition Partners in one of four categories– Development, Government, NGO & Civil Society, and Commercial.
JOIN THE COALITION
If your organization is an identity stakeholder that supports responsible use of identity for good and endorses September 16 as a commemorative day for identity, then consider joining the Coalition. It does not imply any legal or financial commitment but is an effective way to demonstrate your support of this initiative.
