UNESCO’s IPDC session begins, marking the 30th anniversary of Programme
UNESCO’s International Programme for the Development of Communication (IPDC) meets this week at UNESCO Headquarters, marking the 30th anniversary of the Programme. At the meeting the IPDC will review the Programme’s activities over the previous two years and discuss issues key issues including media development indicators and journalist safety.
The meeting will include the launch of a new UNESCO report on The Safety of Journalists and the Danger of Impunity. Journalist safety is a major focus of the UK National Commission for UNESCO Communication and Information Committee.
The UK in currently a member of the Council of the International Programme for the Development of Communication (IPDC). The UK was elected to the Council at the 35th UNESCO General Conference in October 2009. The Council is composed of representatives of 39 states and guides the planning and the implementation of the Programme.
The IPDC is the only multilateral forum in the UN system designed to mobilize the international community towards supporting media development in developing countries. It’s major activities include:
- Funding of communication development projects - In three decades IPDC has channeled almost $100 million to some 1200 media development projects in more than 140 countries.
- Research and benchmarking in the priority areas adopted by the Council: namely media development indicators and journalist safety
- UNESCO-IPDC Prize for Rural Communication: bi-annual prize of $20,000 to recognise an innovative activity in improving communication in rural communities, chiefly in the developing countries
Read more about the IPDC and its work here.
Written: 25/03/2010 , last modified: 25/03/2010
IPDC Council meeting