UNESCO works to create an enabling environment, which is conducive to, and facilitates universal access to information and knowledge.

Nepal is going through an important period of democracy building and state-restructuring. Therefore it is particularly important to have a well-informed population with access to accurate and independent information from diverse sources, with an understanding of the decision-making processes.

Although the quality and diversity of media is increasing in more populated areas, the situation is different in remote areas. Community Multimedia Centres (CMCs) are important actors in supporting democracy and reducing poverty, particularly in isolated rural areas. Other important actors to facilitate access to information and knowledge are libraries and archives and, increasingly, online resources.

Examples of the Office’s intervention in this area include:

• Building the capacity of CMCs through training and networking activities
• Advocating for the right to information
• Building capacities to manage information that is electronically available
• Promoting the safeguarding of the documentary heritage, for example through the celebration of World Day for Audio-Visual Heritage, held annually on 28 October