Our Communication &

Information Programme

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Introduction

Discover UNESCO’s communication and information programme in the UK. Find out more about UNESCO’s role in setting global standards, the UK’s world-leading experts and their contribution to ensuring everyone has the right to freely express their opinions.

UNESCO has been concerned with the uneven distribution of communication and information across the globe since its inception in 1945. Recognising the fundamental role of communication and information to fostering peace and development, the programme is built on the right we should all share to freedom of expression, to hold our own opinions, and to express them freely.

UNESCO works to protect these rights and its current programme is firmly rooted in the demands and needs of 21st Century citizens. It leads the United Nations Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists; offers guidance on combating online hate speech and misinformation; promotes Open Educational Resources and access to information for marginalized people; co-ordinates approaches to Artificial Intelligence and preserves and promotes the world’s documentary heritage.

Through this work the programme contributes to the UN Sustainable Development Goals which recognize the importance of public access to information and the protection of fundamental freedoms to peaceful and inclusive societies.

Browse some of the most important and relevant UNESCO programmes for the UK

Discover our communication and information role and browse our communication and information programmes below

Legal Framework

UNESCO establishes an international normative framework through its Conventions, Recommendations and other agreements

COMMUNICATION AND INFORMATION FRAMEWORK

There are two Conventions, fifteen Recommendations and three Declarations covering Communication and Information. They encourage Member States to deal with issues including new technologies, the free flow of information and ideas and international cultural cooperation. Together they establish a robust international framework for protecting global rights and promoting participation and therefore laying the foundation for sustainable development.

Ratifications and Recommendations

Policy Advice

The UK National Commission for UNESCO informs and advises on international and domestic communication & information policy to UNESCO and UK Government.

COMMUNICATION & INFORMATION POLICY

UNESCO places a strong emphasis on the needs of lesser developed countries in its C&I work but the programme is also vital for the UK’s own national and international information and communication activities and UK Experts are playing a leading role.

Since 1946, the UK National Commission for UNESCO’s role has been to ensure the UK’s leading specialists, intellectuals and academics are contributing and shaping UNESCO’s Communication and Information. We also advise the UK and Devolved Government on policy relating to UNESCO’s C&I activities. This advice ensures the UK Government is adhering to the text of these legal instruments by fulfilling its obligations and promoting their aims and intentions within the UK.

C&I POLICY BRIEFS

Since 1946, the UK National Commission for UNESCO’s role is to ensure the UK’s leading specialists, intellectuals and academics are contributing and shaping UNESCO’s science manadate. We also advise the UK and Devolved Government on policy relating to UNESCO’s scientific activities. This advice ensures the UK Government is adhering to the text of these legal instruments by fulfilling its obligations and promoting their aims and intentions within the UK.

CULTURAL POLICY BRIEFS

Expert Advice

We work with a network of experts across the UK who support UNESCO’s global mission to build peace in the minds of men and women.

COMMUNICATION & INFORMATION EXPERTS

Our Expert Network is made up of pro-bono specialists who help to advise the UK and Devolved Governments on policy relating to UNESCO’s programmes.

 Sites & Initiatives 

The Communication and Information Sector within UNESCO aims to advance freedom of expression, media development, and access to information. This is aligned closely with UNESCO’s mandate to “promote the free flow of ideas by word and image”. The sites and initiatives in the present in the UK help to advance these aims by increasing visibility and exchanging ideas.

COMMUNICATION AND INFORMATION SITES, ACTIONS & INITIATIVES

Through the Memory of the World Programme, UNESCO closely cooperates with Member States to identify, preserve and promote access to the world’s documentary heritage, to make it available to all, including future generations. This list ensures the knowledge of and access to some of the worlds most important written and drawn information – creating a living canvas.

The initiatives UNESCO organises worldwide directly contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (including SDGs 4, 5, 8, 9, 10,11,13,16 and 17) set out in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, with specific attention to the social, political and economic mutations of the digital age.

Since 1946, the UK National Commission for UNESCO’s role is to ensure the UK’s leading specialists, intellectuals and academics are contributing and shaping UNESCO’s science manadate. We also advise the UK and Devolved Government on policy relating to UNESCO’s scientific activities. This advice ensures the UK Government is adhering to the text of these legal instruments by fulfilling its obligations and promoting their aims and intentions within the UK.

OUR COMMUNICATION AND INFORMATION PRIZES

At their root, UN International Days contribute to the achievement of the purposes of the UN Charter and promote awareness of and action on important political, social, cultural, humanitarian or human rights issues. International days are at the heart of the United Nations Charter.

COMMUNICATION AND INFORMATION INTERNATIONAL DAYS

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