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Fostering Freedom of Expression and Building Knowledge Societies

© University of Guyana

The Fostering Freedom of Expression and Building Knowledge Societies Programme aims at building inclusive knowledge societies through information and communication in the Caribbean.  The approach used in the programme emphasizes UNESCO's concept of inclusive, equitable, open and participatory knowledge societies based on the four principles of (i) freedom of expression, (ii) universal access to information, (iii) quality education and (iv) cultural and linguistic diversity.

The Fostering Freedom of Expression and Building Knowledge Societies Programme actions fall into two major themes, namely:

  • Fostering freedom of expression and strengthening media development in the Caribbean
  • Building knowledge societies in the Caribbean

Activities planned under the first category of "Fostering freedom of expression and strengthening media development in the Caribbean" include:

  • Sensitizing governments, public institutions and civil society on freedom of expression and freedom of the press, including through the celebration of World Press Freedom Day (3 May)
  • Providing technical assistance and advisory services in developing standards and legal instruments for press freedom and freedom of information in accordance with internationally recognized standards
  • Monitoring the state of the safety of journalists, including impunity as regards violence against journalists
  • Fostering media pluralism, particularly by promoting/strengthening community media, as well as fostering media and information literacy
  • Improving standards of journalism education/training
  • Supporting the role of media in sustainable development

Activities planned under the second category of "Building knowledge societies in the Caribbean" include:

  • Promoting the application of ICTs to enhance the quality of and access to education, scientific knowledge, scientific research findings and empower local communities
  • Promoting free and open source software, open web and open standards
  • Protecting and preserving documentary heritage through the Memory of the World Programme
  • Fostering the role of libraries and archives and strengthening the World Digital Library
  • Providing technical assistance and advisory services in elaborating national information policy frameworks through the Information for All Programme (IFAP)

The Fostering Freedom of Expression and Building Knowledge Societies Programme carries out its programme actions in the Caribbean in collaboration with a number of partners including the National Commissions for UNESCO, CARICOM Secretariat, the Commonwealth of Learning, the Caribbean Broadcasting Union, CARIMAC, Caribbean CMC Network, the Network of Associated Libraries (UNAL), and the Association of Caribbean University Research and institutional Libraries (ACURIL)

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