This event underlines the importance of development of communication as a means to reinforce freedom of expression, pluralism and independence of the media.

This consultation will begin with a description of the tendencies in journalism education in Tunisia, followed by discussions on the subject. The second session will look at the UNESCO Model Curricula for Journalism Education, which aims at improving the capacities of media professionals with the help of different specialised training modules.

The consultation will be attended by representatives of IPSI, the African Centre for Training of Journalists and Communicators (CAPJC), the National Commission for UNESCO in Tunisia, as well as a representative of UNESCO.

The crucial role of media in the development of knowledge societies was underlined by the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS). It was also made clear that the media has an important role to play in sustainable development and good governance. It is within this background that UNESCO promotes the development of free independent and pluralist media, by reinforcing the capacities of training institutions and thus contributing to quality training.