UNESCO’s Communication and Information programme is rooted in UNESCO’s Constitution, which mandates the Organization to promote the “free flow of ideas by word and image”. UNESCO works towards three principal strategic objectives: (i) promoting the free flow of ideas and universal access to information, (ii) promoting the expression of pluralism and cultural diversity in the media and world information networks, (iii) promoting access for all to ICTs.

In Uzbekistan, the priorities include equitable access to information and knowledge, and support to the development of the media and quality reporting. In collaboration with local partners, the following projects have been implemented:

• Dissemination of and capacity-building for the diverse content ons sustainable development through educational soap operas in rural areas, and implementation of Silk Road Radio Project;
• Fostering universal access to information through the conservation and documentation of historic archival materials,in particular digitizing historic archives of printed materials and glass negatives;
• Trainings and workshops to strengthen the capacities of local media professionals with focus on environmental issues, notably in Khorezm and Karakalpakstan;
• Developing training materials for pre-service and in-service journalists to promote quality reporting on issues ranging from investigative and gender-sensitive journalism to environmental journalism ;
• Supporting the development of professional standards so as to promote media self-regulation in Uzbekistan.