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UNESCO has the mandate to promote the free flow of ideas and to maintain and diffuse knowledge. To this end, UNESCO aims to consolidate and operationalise the concept of knowledge societies that are inclusive, pluralistic, equitable, open and participatory (as validated by the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) and the 2005 World Summit Outcome document).
Knowledge societies are not simply driven by technological forces but also by societal choices informed by democratic debate and consultation with all stakeholders.
 UNESCO addresses the challenges and opportunities offered by advances in communication and information, with special attention being paid to the creation, access, preservation and sharing of information and knowledge. These transformations have a significant potential for contributing to the attainment of MDGs, in particular poverty eradication and sustainable development, as well as creating mutual understanding among peoples and societies.
The strategic and effective use of appropriate media and information and communication technologies (ICTs) in education is essential to reach the six Dakar EFA goals and MDG 2. Media and ICTs are also key vehicles for ensuring a broader access to scientific knowledge, including the popularization of scientific innovations, and its wider dissemination, especially in the developing world. Moreover, media and ICTs today constitute an important element in defining peoples’ cultural identity and self-expression and they also facilitate effective South-South cooperation.
 UNESCO has two intergovernmental programmes – the International Programme for the Development of Communication (IPDC) and the Information for All Programme (IFAP) – with their specific yet interrelated frameworks for contributing to the building of knowledge societies.
Like in other sectors, UNESCO adopts a multi-stakeholder approach towards collaboration with civil society groups, the private sector, non-governmental organizations, professional organizations and major institutions working in the communication and information field. This approach is particularly relevant towards UNESCO’s role as a facilitator for the implementation of a number of Action Lines of the WSIS Action plan.
The Commission’s Communication & Information (C&I) Committee brings together a core group of 24 experts in journalism, media, information and communication technologies, and document preservation and management. In line with its mission, priorities and expertise the C&I Committee currently hosts four Working Groups focusing on (1) Freedom of Expression; (2) Information Society; (3) Media in the Public Interest and; (4) Memory of the World.
The Committee is currently chaired (acting) by Professor Ivor Gaber (Research Professor in Media and Politics, University of Bedfordshire).
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WORLD PRESS FREEDOM DAY
2008
2007
2006
REPORT
2006-7 activities
UNESCO STRATEGY AND PROGRAMME
2008-2013 Medium Term Strategy
(summary  156kb, 2 pages)
2008-2009 Programme and Budget
(extended summary 337 kb, 17 pages)
MEMBERSHIP
Terms of Reference
List of Members
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