UNESCO is mandated to promote freedom of expression, press freedom, media development and to advocate for the rights and safety of journalists. The UNESCO Office in Kathmandu provides advice and capacity building to stakeholders on these issues, paying special attention to the challenges and aspirations of women journalists.

For over a decade, Nepal has been in the spotlight for its major political transitions. Natural disasters and political instability, increased the responsibility of media workers and journalists to deliver effective and independent information to the people. In current challenging domestic conditions, UNESCO promotes the professional development of the media and journalists and fosters citizens’ Access to Information.

Communication, Information and Knowledge are the driving forces of sustainable development. The Office is committed to the Sustainable Development Agenda 2030 - adopted by the international community in 2015. The Communication and Information Unit is primarily contributing to: 

• Goal 16: Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels. The rule of law is a prerequisite for, as well as an outcome of, governance and a sustainable and human rights-centered development agenda, and freedom of expression and the safety of journalists are prominent issues for the rule of law. 
• Goal 9: Build resilient infrastructure, promote sustainable industrialization and foster innovation. UNESCO’s work on the promotion of universal access to information, including through Open Solutions directly contributes to the achievement of Goal 9, which focuses on building resilient infrastructure and fostering innovation, particularly through increasing access to ICT.