United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO)
Updated February 2003
 

Guiding Principles/Objectives

Programmes

The objectives of the Major Programme in Communication and Information are presented in UNESCO's Medium-Term Strategy 2002-2007:

For UNESCO, the main objective is to build a knowledge society based on the sharing of knowledge and incorporating all the socio-cultural and ethical dimensions of sustainable development.

It is UNESCO's mission to promote the free flow of information, knowledge and data to encourage the creation of diversified contents and to facilitate equitable access to information and to the means of sharing knowledge while at the same time giving attention to institutional capacity-building.

The Strategic Objectives are:

1. Promoting the free flow of ideas and universal access to information.
2. Promoting the expression of pluralism and cultural diversity in the media and world information networks.
3. Access for all to ICTs especially in the public domain.

ICTs play a significant role in all the fields of competence of UNESCO. ICTs open up new horizons for progress and the exchange of knowledge, education and training, and for the promotion of creativity and intercultural dialogue.

Four strategic objectives will be pursued:

1. Agreeing on common principles for the construction of knowledge societies.
2. Enhancing learning opportunities through access to diversified contents and delivery systems.
3. Strengthening capacities for scientific research, information-sharing and cultural exchanges.
4. Promoting the use of ICTs for capacity-building, empowerment, governance and social participation.
http://www.unesco.org/webworld

Areas of Application:

n/a

► The Information for All Programme (IFAP) promotes international co-operation and partnership, and supports the development of common strategies, methods and tools for building an "Information society for all", bridging the digital divide and bringing new digital opportunities to all.

► The current WebWorld portal is being further developed to become a truly interactive, thematic and comprehensive portal that provides a wide array of services to members of professional communities, the public and private sector and to the broader public interested in communication and information issues.
Some major components of WebWorld are:

> The UNESCO Observatory on the Information Society, which monitors key trends that shape the information society, will serve as a platform for preparing the Organization's contribution to the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS);
> The UNESCO Libraries and Archives Portals have been created to promote and reinforce the role of libraries, archives, information services and networks and community multimedia centres;
> The UNESCO Free Software Portal provides a single interactive access point for users who wish to acquire an understanding of the Free Software movement and to apply the concept in UNESCO's fields of competence.

► Support for the formulation and adoption of integrated communication and information policies and strategies and the establishment of legislation promoting access to information, which conform to internationally recognized principles of freedom of expression, human rights and democracy, including promotion of the concepts of "public domain of information" as a "common public good", and public service broadcasting (PSB).

► UNESCO is supporting and promoting, for example:

> The empowerment of communities to manage their own development through comprehensive and affordable community information access programmes integrating traditional and "new" ICTs;
> Training and capacity building in the use of ICTs, particularly in the education and training of librarians, archivists, documentalists, computer and media specialists;
> The innovative use of ICTs in education through exploration, development and testing of multimedia learning support techniques such as interactive learning modules, e-learning platforms, and Internet and satellite delivery;
> Independent media in zones of conflict and the bringing together of media professionals for the promotion of peace, tolerance and mutual understanding.

► Under the International Programme for the Development of Communications (IPDC), a total of more than 800 communication projects have been implemented in 130 countries with funds of about USD$ 85 million. The objectives are the development of communication and information and promotion of endogenous production.

► INFOYOUTH is the worldwide information network on youth related issues.

► The Initiative B@bel aims to promote the use of multilingualism on the Internet.

Participation in Multi-donor Programmes:

► Global Knowledge Partnership (GKP)
► UN ICT Task Force

All regions with special emphasis on developing regions and priority on Africa and LDCs

► US$18 million for 2002-2003 (Reg. bud.)
► US$35 million for 2002-2003 (Extra-bud.)

Communication and Information Sector, ci@unesco.org