Global action, global access? The IGO Licensing Landscape

The Intergovernmental Organisation (IGO) space continues to be characterised by a diversity of approaches to licensing of the materials they publish, including between different materials from the same organisation. Despite the limits this places on possibilities to reuse and apply insights from their publications, many IGOs continue to use restrictive terms. Nonetheless, there are possibilities to strengthen the uptake of standardised open licences (such as Creative Commons). A more harmonised approach to licensing, as well as investment in repositories and clearer information would also support reuse of UN work. This would be in line with the UN 2.0 agenda.