The meeting, which took place at UNESCO’s head office in Paris during February 22 -24th, considered 103 projects submitted to seek funding for media development. Thailand’s Government Public Relations Department Director General, Mr. Teerapong Sodasri, representing Thailand also acted as vice chair of the meeting. Each year local media organizations or training institutions can submit media development proposals through the local UNESCO office. They must have a clear objective contributing to at least one of the IPDC’s main priorities, such as promotion of freedom of expression and media pluralism, development of community media, or human resource development. The Bureau gave particular attention to proposals from least developed, landlocked and small island countries, as well countries in conflict or post-conflict situations. The Bureau also acts as a jury for selecting the winner of the UNESCO – IPDC Prize for Rural Communication.
IPDC is the only multilateral forum in the UN system designated to mobilize the international community to discuss and promote media development in developing countries. The Programme not only provides support for media projects, but also seeks an accord to secure a healthy environment for the growth of free and pluralistic media in developing countries.
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