UNESCO defends and promotes freedom of expression, media independence and pluralism, and the building of inclusive knowledge societies underpinned by universal access to information and the innovative use of digital technologies. 

Through capacity-building, policy advice, international cooperation, monitoring and foresight in the fields of freedom of expression, access to information, and digital transformation, UNESCO will continue to empower key actors with a view to ensuring that fundamental freedoms are guaranteed online and offline, in line with international standards. 

This is all the more relevant to ensure the ethical development and use of emerging technologies, which have a growing impact on all aspects of the world’s societies. Citizens will also be empowered to enjoy these fundamental freedoms through the development of 21st century skills and the fostering of enabling environments for media pluralism and diversity.

World Trends in Freedom of Expression and Media Development: Highlights
Celebrating International Women's Day
Communication & Information

Promoting free flow of ideas by word and image

Press and media on news conference. Filming an event with a video camera.

Facts and Figures

132
UN Member States

have adopted various Access to Information legal guarantees

8,324
languages

are documented with approximately 7,000 still in use

Our Publications

The International Year of Indigenous Languages: mobilizing the international community to preserve, revitalize and promote indigenous languages
UNESCO
2021
UNESCO
0000379771
Reporting on migrants and refugees: handbook for journalism educators
UNESCO
2021
UNESCO
0000377890
Artificial intelligence needs assessment survey in Africa
UNESCO
2021
UNESCO
0000375322
Media and information literate citizens: think critically, click wisely!
UNESCO
2021
UNESCO
0000377068
Global toolkit for judicial actors: international legal standards on freedom of expression, access to information and safety of journalists
UNESCO
2021
UNESCO
0000378755
Assessing internet development in Germany: using UNESCO’s Internet Universality ROAM-X Indicators
UNESCO
2021
UNESCO
0000378902