Mapping c4d Weby0rKKn

Mapping
declarations and
statements on
communication
for development
Promoting dialogue, debate and change

Extracted and summarised text from selected declarations and statements
on communication for development.
Panos London wishes to acknowledge the original source of the declarations
and statements (the page numbers refer to this document): UN (p2, p31,
p40); UNESCO (p3, p9, p13, p15, p46, p47); World Health Organization
(p11); UN Economic Commission for Africa (p18, p41); The People’s
Communication Charter (p19); the Media Institute of Southern Africa (p22);
World Summit on the Information Society (p24, p32); UNDP (p28, p37, p45);
Commission for Africa (p29); UK Department for International Development
(p34); BBC World Service Trust (p35); the New Glocal Times (p38); and World
Congress on Communication for Development (p39).
© Panos London, July 2007

For more information, contact:
Panos London
9 White Lion Street
London N1 9PD
United Kingdom
tel +44 (0)20 7278 1111
fax +44 (0)20 7278 0345
info@panos.org.uk
www.panos.org.uk
978-1-870670-11-1

Panos London is part of the worldwide Panos Network of independent

institutes working to ensure information is used effectively to foster
debate, pluralism and democracy. For more information see
www.panos.org
Contents

2 1948 37 2006
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights UNDP Communication for Empowerment
3 1980 38 2006
The MacBride Report What do they think? Policy-makers and
the role of communication for development.
9 1991
A perception study conducted in
Declaration of Windhoek
2005–2006 and policy-makers’
11 1992 perceptions of communication for
Declaration of Alma Ata development: two surveys 12 years
apart both by Colin Fraser & Sonia
13 1994
Resrepo Estrada
Declaration of Santiago
39 2006
15 1996
WCCD Rome Consensus
Declaration of Sana’a
40 2006
18 1996
UN Delivering as one:
UNECA African Information Society
Report of the secretary-general’s
Initiative (AISI)
high-level panel
19 1993
41 2006
The People’s Communication Charter
STREAM African framework for the
22 2001 development of a sustainable and
African Charter on Broadcasting pluralistic media
24 2003 45 2007
WSIS Declaration of Principles UNDP Towards a Common UN system
approach: Harnessing communication to
28 2003
achieve the MDGs (draft) Paper for 10th
UNDP Access to Information
inter-agency round table
29 2005
46 2007
Commission for Africa:
UNESCO Towards a common UN system
Our common interest
approach: The role of communication for
31 2005 development in achieving the MDGs Paper
UN World Summit Outcome (MDGs) for 10th inter-agency round table
32 2005 47 2007
WSIS Tunis Agenda for the Information 10th Inter-agency round table on
Society communication for development:
Recommendations
34 2006
DFID Eliminating world poverty:
Making governance work for the poor
(White Paper)
35 2006
AMDI Strengthening Africa’s private
independent media

Mapping declarations and statements on communication for development
Panos London July 2007
1948 back to contents page
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights

Recommendations
All Article 19
Everyone has the right to freedom of
opinion and expression; this right
includes freedom to hold opinions without
interference and to seek, receive and
impart information and ideas through
any media and regardless of frontiers.
Recommendations
Media No specific recommendations for media.
Recommendations
Government No specific recommendations for
government.
Recommendations
Civil society No specific recommendations for
civil society.
Recommendations
Private sector No specific recommendations for
private sector.
Recommendations
Donors No specific recommendations for donors.
The MacBride Report

Recommendations
All 1 [We recommend the establishment of] 14 Utilization of local radio, low-cost small
common aims and common values in format television and video systems and
the sphere of communication, based other appropriate technologies would
on common interests in a world of facilitate the production of programmes
interdependence. relevant to community development
efforts, stimulate participation and
2 The utmost importance should be given
provide opportunity for diversified cultural
to eliminating imbalances and disparities
expression.
in communication and its structures,
and particularly in information flows. 15 The educational and informational use
of communication should be given equal
5 Our call for reflection and action is
priority with entertainment...education
addressed broadly to governments and
systems should prepare young people
international organizations, to policy-
for communication activities.
makers and planners, to the media
and professional organizations, to 18 It is not sufficient to urge that
researchers, communication practitioners, communication be given a high priority in
to organized social groups and the public national development; possible sources
at large. of investment finance must be identified.
5 Developing countries take specific 19 A major international research and
measures to establish or develop development effort to increase the supply
essential elements of their of paper.
communication systems: print media,
21 The electro-magnetic spectrum and
broadcasting and telecommunications
geostationary orbit, both finite natural
along with the related training and
resources, should be more equitably
facilities.
shared as the common property of
6 (…) regional networks should be set mankind.
up to increase news flows and serve all
22 Promotion of dialogue for development
the major language groups in the area.
as a central component of both
Nationally, the agencies should buttress
communication and development policies.
the growth of both urban and rural
newspapers to serve as the core of a 23 In promoting communication policies,
country’s news collection and distribution special attention should be given to
system. the use of non-technical language and
comprehensible symbols, images and
7 National book production should be
forms to ensure popular understanding
encouraged.
of development issues and goals.
8 The development of comprehensive
25 Setting up national mechanisms to
national radio networks, capable of
promote participation and discussion
reaching remote areas, should take
of social priorities in the acquisition
priority over the development of television.
or extension of new communication
12 Essential communication needs to be met technologies.
include the extension of basic postal
26 In developing countries the promotion of
services and telecommunication networks.
autonomous research and development
13 Development of a community press in should be linked to specific projects and
rural areas and small towns. programmes at the national, regional and
inter-regional levels, which are often

geared to the satisfaction of basic needs.
More funds are necessary to stimulate
and support adaptive technological
research.

The MacBride Report
continued
34 Developing countries should pay particular 64 The creation of appropriate communication

attention to: (a) the correlation between facilities at all levels, leading towards new
education, scientific and communication forms of public involvement in the
policies, because their practical management of the media and new
application frequently overlaps; (b) the modalities for their funding.
creation in each country of one or several
66 The progressive implementation of
centres for the collection and utilization of
national and international measures that
technical information and data, both from
will foster the setting up of a new world
within the country and from abroad;
information and communication order.
(c) secure the basic equipment necessary
for essential data obtained from remote 67 International cooperation for the
sensing. development of communications [should]
be given equal priority with and within
35 Developed countries should foster
other sectors (…) as information is a
exchanges of technical information on
basic resource for individual and collective
the principle that all countries have
advancement and for all-round
equal rights to full access to available
development.
information.
68 The close relationship between the
37 At the international level, consideration
establishment of a new international
should be given to action with respect
economic order and the new world
to: (a) a systematic identification of
information and communication order
existing organized data processing
should be carefully considered by the
infrastructures in various specialized
technical bodies dealing with these
fields; (b) agreement on measures
issues.
for effective multi-country participation
in the programmes, planning and 69 The communication dimension should be
administration of existing or developing incorporated into existing programmes
data infrastructures; (c) analysis of and agreements for economic cooperation
commercial and technical measures likely between developing countries.
to improve the use of informatics by
70 Joint activities in the field of
developing countries; (d) agreement on
communication, which are under way
international priorities for research and
between developing countries, should be
development that is of interest to all
developed further in the light of the overall
countries in the field of informatics.
analysis and recommendations of this
42 (…) develop further effective ways by Report.
which the right to assess mass media
71 With respect to cooperation in the field of
performance can be exercised by the
technical information, the establishment
public.
of regional and sub-regional data banks
60 Attention should be paid to the and information processing centres and
communication needs of women. specialized documentation centres should
be given a high priority.
61 The concerns of children and youth,
national, ethnic, religious, linguistic 72 Mechanisms for sharing information of a
minorities, people living in remote areas non-strategic nature could be established
and the aged and handicapped also particularly in economic matters.
deserve particular consideration.


The MacBride Report
continued
80 Due attention should be paid to the

problems of peace and disarmament,
human rights, development and the
creation of a new communication order.
Mass media, both printed and audiovisual,
should be encouraged to publicise
significant documents of the United
Nations, of Unesco, of the world peace
movements, and of various other
international and national organizations
devoted to peace and disarmament.
The curricula of schools of journalism
should include study of these
international problems and the views
expressed on them within the United
Nations.
Recommendations
Media 39 (…) journalism needs to raise its 63 Those in charge of the media should
standards and quality for recognition encourage their audiences to play a more
everywhere as a genuine profession. active role in communication by allocating
more newspaper space, or broadcasting
40 (…) journalists require broad educational
time, for the views of individual members
preparation and specific professional
of the public or organized social groups.
training.
73 Particular efforts should be undertaken to
43 The adoption of codes of ethics at
ensure that news about other developing
national and, in some cases, at the
countries within or outside their region
regional level is desirable, provided that
receives more attention and space in
such codes are prepared and adopted by
the media.
the profession itself – without
governmental interference. 81 All forms of cooperation among the media,
the professionals and their associations,
45 Conventional standards of news selection
which contribute to the better knowledge
and reporting, and many accepted news
of other nations and cultures, should be
values, need to be reassessed… High
encouraged and promoted.
professional standards are needed for
journalists to be able to illuminate the 82 Reporting on international events or
diverse cultures and beliefs of the modern developments in individual countries in
world. situations of crisis and tension requires
extreme care and responsibility. In such
46 (…) reporters being assigned to foreign
situations the media often constitute one
posts should have the benefit of language
of the few, if not the sole, link between
training and acquaintance with the history,
combatants or hostile groups. This clearly
institutions, politics, peace and equality
casts on them a special role which they
without foreign interference.
should seek to discharge with objectivity
62 Much more attention [should] be devoted and sensitivity.
to use of the media in living and working
environments. Instead of isolating men
and women, the media should help
integrate them into the community.

The MacBride Report
continued
Recommendations
Government 1 Communication [should] no longer [be] 27 The concentration of communications
regarded merely as an incidental service technology in a relatively few developed
and its development left to chance. countries and transnational corporations
Recognition of its potential warrants the has led to virtual monopoly situations in
formulation by all nations, and particularly this field. To counteract these tendencies
developing countries, of comprehensive national and international measures are
communication policies linked to overall required, among them reform of existing
social, cultural, economic and political patent laws and conventions, appropriate
goals. Such policies should be based on legislation and international agreements.
inter-ministerial and inter-disciplinary
28 Establishment of national cultural
consultations with broad public
policies, which should foster cultural
participation.
identity and creativity, and involve the
2 Developing nations and multilingual media in these tasks.
societies need to evolve language policies
29 Communication and cultural policies
that promote all national languages even
should ensure that creative artists and
while selecting some where necessary, for
various grass-roots groups can make their
more widespread use in communication,
voices heard through the media.
higher education and administration.
30 Introduction of guidelines with respect to
3 A primary policy objective should be to
advertising content and the values and
make elementary education available to
attitudes it fosters, in accordance with
all and to wipe out illiteracy.
national standards and practices.
4 (…) it is essential to develop
31 In expanding communication systems,
comprehensive national communication
preference should be given to non-
policies linked to overall social, cultural
commercial forms of mass
and economic development objectives.
communication.
10 Adequate educational and training
32 While acknowledging the need of the
facilities are required to supply personnel
media for revenues, ways and means
for the media and production
should be considered to reduce the
organizations…cooperation between
negative effects that the influence of
neighbouring countries and within regions
market and commercial considerations
should be encouraged.
have in the organization and content of
20 Tariffs for news transmission, national and international communication
telecommunications rates and air mail flows.
charges for the dissemination of news,
36 Developing countries should adopt
transport of newspapers, periodicals,
national informatics policies as a matter
books and audiovisual materials are one
of priority.
of the main obstacles to a free and
balanced flow of information. This 44 All countries should take steps to assure
situation must be corrected, especially in admittance of foreign correspondents and
the case of developing countries, through facilitate their collection and transmission
a variety of national and international of news.
initiatives.
54 Communication needs in a democratic
24 Devising policy instruments at the society should be met by the extension of
national level in order to evaluate the specific rights such as the right to be
positive and negative social implications informed, the right to inform, the right to
of the introduction of powerful new privacy, the right to participate in public
communication technologies. communication – all elements of a new
concept, the right to communicate.


The MacBride Report
continued
55 All countries [should] adopt measures to 65 Communication policy-makers should give

enlarge sources of information needed by far greater importance to devising ways
citizens in their everyday life. A careful whereby the management of the media
review of existing laws and regulations could be democratized – while respecting
should be undertaken with the aim of national customs and characteristics.
reducing limitations, secrecy provisions
75 The Member States of Unesco should
and other constraints in information
increase their support to the
practices.
Organization’s programme in this area.
56 Censorship or arbitrary control of
79 National communication policies should
information should be abolished.
be consistent with adopted international
57 Special attention should be devoted communication principles and should
to obstacles and restrictions which seek to create a climate of mutual
derive from the concentration of media understanding and peaceful coexistence
ownership, public or private, from among nations.
commercial influences on the press
and broadcasting, or from private or
governmental advertising.
58 Effective legal measures should be
designed to: (a) limit the process of
concentration and monopolization;
(b) circumscribe the action of
transnationals by requiring them to comply
with specific criteria and conditions
defined by national legislation and
development policies; (c) reverse trends
to reduce the number of decision-makers
at a time when the media’s public is
growing larger and the impact of
communication is increasing; (d) reduce
the influence of advertising upon editorial
policy and broadcast programming;
(e) seek and improve models which would
ensure greater independence and
autonomy of the media concerning their
management and editorial policy, whether
these media are under private, public or
government ownership.
59 The building of infrastructures and the
adoption of particular technologies should
be carefully matched to the need for more
abundant information to a broader public
from a plurality of sources.


The MacBride Report
continued
Recommendations
Civil society 16 The organization of community listening 74 Measures to promote links and
and viewing groups could in certain agreements between professional
circumstances widen both entertainment organizations and communication
and educational opportunities. researchers of different countries
should be fostered.
Recommendations
Private sector 38 Transnational corporations should supply
to the authorities of the countries in which
they operate, upon request and on a
regular basis as specified by local laws
and regulations, all information required
for legislative and administrative
purposes relevant to their activities and
specifically needed to assess the
performance of such entities.
Recommendations
Donors 11 The communication component in all 77 It would be desirable for the United
development projects should receive Nations family to be equipped with a more
adequate financing. effective information system, including
a broadcast capability of its own and
51 (…) Unesco should convene a series of
possibly access to a satellite system.
round tables at which journalists, media
executives, researchers and jurists can 78 Consideration might be given to
periodically review problems related to establishing within the framework of
the protection of journalists and propose Unesco an International Centre for
additional appropriate measures to the Study and Planning of Information
this end. and Communication.
76 Better coordination of the various
communication activities within Unesco
and those throughout the United Nations
System.
Recommendations
All 10 The international community should iv a register of available funding
as a matter of priority direct funding v the state of press freedom in each country
support towards the development and in Africa.
establishment of non-governmental
18 The international community should
newspapers, magazines and periodicals.
contribute to the achievement and
16 The UN and UNESCO, and particularly the implementation of the initiatives and
IPDC, should initiate detailed research in projects set out in the annex to this
cooperation with governmental (especially Declaration (the Annex provides a list
UNDP) and non-governmental donor of initiatives and projects identified in
agencies, relevant NGOs & professional the Seminar).
associations into the following areas:
i identification of economic barriers
ii training of journalists
iii legal barriers to the recognition and
effective operation of trade unions or
associations for journalists, editors and
publishers
Recommendations
Recommendations
Government 13 The national media and labour relations 14 African Governments that have jailed
laws of African countries should be journalists for their professional activities
drafted in such a way as to ensure that should free them immediately. Journalists
representative associations can exist and who have had to leave their countries
fulfil their important tasks in defence of should be free to return to resume their
press freedom. professional activities.
Recommendations
civil society.
Recommendations
Private sector 15 Cooperation between publishers within
Africa, and between publishers of the
North and South, should be encouraged
and supported.
Panos London July 2007 10

continued
Recommendations
Donors 8 GA of the UN should include in its next 17 The UN and UNESCO are invited to
session a declaration of censorship recommend to the GA the convening
as a grave violation of human rights. of a similar seminar of journalists
and managers of radio and television
11 All funding should aim to encourage
services in Africa.
pluralism as well as independence.
The public media should be funded
only where authorities guarantee
a constitutional and effective freedom
of information and expression and
the independence of the press.
Declaration of Alma Ata

Recommendations
All The participants call on UNESCO and its 4 To support the right of journalists to
IPDC, the United Nations, in particular exercise their profession safely, and to
the United Nations Economic and Social establish a protection centre (or centres)
Commission for Asia and the Pacific, in the region.
the UNDP, international professional
5 To encourage the development of
organisations, donor countries,
journalistically independent public
foundations and other interested parties
service broadcasting in place of existing
to contribute generously to, and cooperate
state controlled broadcasting structures,
in the implementation of these initiatives:
and to promote the development of
1 To give expert advice and legal drafting community radio.
assistance to replace redundant press
To upgrade educational broadcasting
laws inherited at independence with laws
through support for distance education
that create enforceable rights to freedom
programmes such as English language
of expression, freedom of opinion, access
instruction and formal and nonformal
to information and freedom of the press;
education, literacy programmes, and
to abolish monopolies and all forms of
information programmes on AIDS, the
discrimination in broadcasting and
environment, children, etc.
allocation of frequencies, in printing,
newspaper and magazine distribution, and 6 To assist Central Asian journalists,
in newsprint production and distribution; editors, publishers and broadcasters
and to abolish barriers to launching new in establishing truly independent
publications, and discriminatory taxation. representative associations, syndicates
or trade unions of journalists and
2 To promote a programme of national
associations of editors, publishers and
incountry and subregional seminars and/
broadcasters where such bodies do not
or training courses.
yet exist.
3 As a matter of urgency:
7 To identify economic barriers to the
a to support the establishment of media
creation of new, independent media in
resource centres in the Central Asian
Central Asia and in particular to arrange a
Republics.
feasibility study into alternative methods
b to assist independent media in the
of acquiring and distributing newsprint,
upgrading of production, content and
alternative facilities for printing and
presentation of television news
distributing newspapers and magazines
and current affairs programmes
and alternative means of obtaining low
through the provision of new technology
interest credit.
and the exposure of staff to modern
and alternative production techniques
and values.
c to assist in the establishment of an
intercountry news exchange service,
in order to increase the flow of
international, national and regional
news and information to and from
neighbouring countries, and to help
upgrade technology and develop
more extensive communication links.

Declaration of Alma Ata
continued
Recommendations
Recommendations
government.
Recommendations
civil society.
Recommendations
private sector.
Recommendations
Recommendations
All We declare that... c To encourage the reading of both
community and national newspapers
3 Respect for pluralism, cultural,
in school as learning tools.
language and gender diversity should be
a fundamental factor in our democratic 3a To extend the number of monitoring
societies and should be reflected centres in the Latin American and the
through all the media. Caribbean region and to link them with
the existing IFEX Action Alert Network,
5 Our aim is to promote the greatest
using joint resources of professional
possible number of newspapers,
national and international organisations
magazines, videos, radio and television
with assistance from UNESCO.
stations reflecting the widest possible
range of opinion in the community. b In addition to monitoring aggression
against journalists, to request IFEX to
Plan of action investigate the possibility of including in
2a To promote and support the training the monitoring system serious cases
of journalists, broadcasters and other of visa rejection, limited movement of
media professionals. journalists and restrictions on the free
flow of information in the region, among
b To recommend to media organisations in other press freedom issues.
the region, to hold a meeting with a view to
harmonising their training and educational 5a To encourage media organisations,
programmes and working methods, and to universities, research institutions and
adapting them to new technologies, in governmental and intergovernmental
collaboration if necessary with UNESCO. agencies to conduct research on the
impact of communication technology
development on indigenous communities,
with a view to maintaining their cultural
identity.
Recommendations
Recommendations
Government 2 All States of the region must be 6 State authorities should make available
encouraged to provide constitutional in a timely and reasonable manner
guaranties for freedom of expression, the information generated by the
freedom of the press for all forms of public sector.
media, freedom of associations and
freedom for media trade unions.
Recommendations
civil society.

continued
Recommendations
private sector.
Recommendations
Donors 10 We call on the General Assembly of 3d To request UNESCO to participate,
the UN to create ‘World Press Freedom together with professional organisations,
Prize’, to be awarded annually, to honour in promoting at different levels of society
individuals, organisations or institutions awareness of the right of journalists to
that have contributed significantly to the exercise their profession safely.
advancement of freedom of information,
4a To request UNESCO and the ITU together
irrespective of the medium, print or
with professional organisations, to advise
electronic.
small media, especially in rural and
Plan of action marginal urban areas, on available
technology optimal for their needs.
1 Promotion of community media in rural,
indigenous and marginal urban areas. b To ask UNESCO to support the creation of
(a) UNESCO to survey the current networks, documentation centres and
situation of community media, with databases in the Latin American and
a view to making recommendations for Caribbean countries in order for
the consideration of the governments journalists and broadcasters to have
concerned. (b) To request the IPDC of access to international information, as
UNESCO and donor agencies to support well as manuals, texts, compact discs (CD
projects for the creation of new community ROM) and other kinds of training material.
media and strengthening existing 5b To recommend that UNESCO, in
community media in accordance with cooperation with professional
international norms, especially those organisations, conduct a comparative
media serving women, youth, indigenous study of legislation affecting media.
population and minorities.
2d To ask UNESCO to convene, in
coordination with the UNDP and other
UN agencies, seminars to analyse the
status and the participation of women
in the media.
Recommendations
All The establishment of truly independent, Creation of independent news agencies
representative associations, syndicates and private and/or community ownership
or trade unions of journalists, and of broadcasting media including in rural
associations of editors and publishers, areas should also be encouraged.
is a matter of priority in those Arab
countries where such bodies do not
now exist.
Journalists should be encouraged to
create independent media enterprises
owned, run and funded by the journalists
themselves and support, if necessary,
by transparent endowments with
guarantees that funders do not intervene
in editorial policies.
Recommendations
Media Sound journalistic practices are the most
effective safeguard against governmental
restrictions and pressures by special
interest groups. Guidelines for journalistic
standards are the concern of the news
media professionals. Any attempt to set
down standards and guidelines should
come from the journalists themselves.
Disputes involving the media and/or the
media professional in the exercise of their
profession are a matter for the courts to
decide, and such cases should be tried
under civil and not criminal codes and
procedures.
Recommendations
Government Arab States should provide, and reinforce State-owned broadcasting and news
where they exist, constitutional and legal agencies should be granted statutes of
guarantees of freedom of expression journalistic and editorial independence
and of press freedom and should abolish as open public service institutions.
those laws and measures that limit
Arab governments should cooperate with
the freedom of the press; government
the UN and UNESCO, other governmental
tendencies to draw limits/’red lines’
and non-governmental development
outside the purview of the law restrict
agencies, organisations and professional
these freedoms and are unacceptable.
associations, in order to:
Any legal and administrative obstacles

to the establishment of independent
journalists’ organisations should be
removed. Where necessary, labour
relations laws should be elaborated in
accordance with international standards.

continued
i enact and/or revise laws with a view iii improve and expand training of journalists
to: enforcing the rights to freedom of and managers, and other media
expression and press freedom and legally practitioners, without discrimination, with
enforceable free access to information; a view to upgrading their professional
eliminating monopoly controls over news standards, also by the establishment of
and advertising; putting an end to all new training centers in the countries
forms of social, economic or political where there are none, including Yemen.
discrimination in broadcasting, in the
allocation of frequencies, in printing, in
newspaper and magazine distribution and
in newsprint production and allocation;
abolishing all barriers to launching new
publications and any form of
discriminatory taxation.
ii initiate action to remove economic
barriers to the establishment and
operation of news media outlets,
including restrictive import duties,
tariffs and quotas for such things
as newsprint, printing equipment,
typesetting and word processing
machinery and telecommunication
equipment, and taxes on the sale of
newspapers or other restrictions on
the public’s access to news media.
Recommendations
Civil society Seek the assistance of national, regional
and international press freedom and
media professional organisations
and other relevant NGOs to establish
national and regional networks aimed at
monitoring and acting against violations
of free expression, to create data banks
and to provide advice and technical
assistance in computerisation as well as
in new information and communication
technologies with the understanding that
UNDP, IPDC and other development
partners would consider these needs to
be a major priority.
Recommendations
private sector.

continued
Recommendations
Donors International assistance in Arab countries Request UNESCO National Commission
should aim to develop print and electronic of the Arab States to help organising
media, independent of governments in national and regional meetings to
order to encourage pluralism as well as enhance press freedom and to encourage
editorial independence. Public media creation of independent media
should be supported and funded only institutions.
when they are editorially independent and
where aconstitutional, effective freedom
of information and expression and
the independence of the press are
guaranteed.
UNECA African Information

Society Initiative (AISI)
Recommendations
All 3 Calls upon the ECA, in consultation
with Member States, along with the
ITU, UNESCO, UNCTAD, the WB, and
international and bilateral partners in the
harnessing of information for development
priority areas of the UN System-Wide
Special initiative of Africa to use the AISI
as a guiding framework.
Recommendations
Recommendations
Government 2 Calls upon Member States to incorporate 4 Urges Member States to utilize the
the AISI in their national development capacities and experiences of national,
plans according to national needs and subregional and regional African centres
priorities. of excellence in the enrichment and
implementation of the AISI.
Recommendations
civil society.
Recommendations
private sector.
Recommendations
Donors 5 Requests the Executive Secretary of set up a regional mechanism to assist in
the Commission to: development, follow-up and coordination
of the implementation of AISI programmes
take action in mobilising funding and and projects
technical assistance in cooperation with
Member States, regional organisations, to establish a gender-balanced African
NGOs, the private sector, bilateral and technical committee to advise on
international partners, to realise the goals programmes and projects and to evaluate
of the AISI results.
incorporate the action framework into the
secretariat’s work programme under new
strategic directions of the Commission
programme area on harnessing
information for development

Recommendations
All 1 All people are entitled to be treated with 6 Journalists must be accorded full
respect, according to the basic human protection of the law, including
rights standards of dignity, integrity, international humanitarian law, especially
identity, and non-discrimination. in areas of armed conflict. They must have
safe, unrestricted access to sources of
2 All people have the right of access to
information, and must be able to seek
communication channels independent of
remedy, when required, through an
governmental or commercial control.
international body.
3 In order to exercise their rights, people
8 All people have the right to protect their
should have fair and equitable access to
cultural identity. This includes the respect
local and global resources and facilities
for people’s pursuit of their cultural
for conventional and advanced channels
development and the right to free
of communication; to receive opinions,
expression in languages they understand.
information and ideas in a language they
People’s right to the protection of their
normally use and understand; to receive
cultural space and heritage should not
a range of cultural products designed for
violate other human rights or provisions
a wide variety of tastes and interests;
of this Charter.
and to have easy access to facts about
ownership of media and sources of 9 All people have the right to a diversity
information. Restrictions on access to of languages. This includes the right to
information should be permissible only for express themselves and have access
good and compelling reason, as when to information in their own language,
prescribed by international human rights the right to use their own languages
standards or necessary for the protection in educational institutions funded by
of a democratic society or the basic rights the state, and the right to have adequate
of others. provisions created for the use of minority
languages where needed.
4 The realization of people’s right to
participate in, contribute to and benefit 10 All people have the right to participate
from the development of self-reliant in public decision-making about the
communication structures requires provision of information; the development
international assistance to the and utilization of knowledge; the
development of independent media; preservation, protection and development
training programs for professional of culture; the choice and application of
media workers; the establishment of communication technologies; and the
independent, representative associations, structure and policies of media industries.
syndicates or trade unions of journalists
11 Children have the right to mass media
and associations of editors and
products that are designed to meet their
publishers; and the adoption of
needs and interests and foster their
international standards.
healthy physical, mental and emotional
5 All people have the right to acquire development. They should be protected
information and skills necessary from harmful media products and from
to participate fully in public deliberation commercial and other exploitation at
and communication. This requires facility home, in school and at places of play,
in reading, writing, and storytelling; work, or business. Nations should take
critical media awareness; computer steps to produce and distribute widely
literacy; and education about the role of high quality cultural and entertainment
communication in society. materials created for children in their own
languages.


continued
12 All people have a right to universal access

to and equitable use of cyberspace. Their
rights to free and open communities in
cyberspace, their freedom of electronic
expression, and their freedom from
electronic surveillance and intrusion,
should be protected.
13 All people have the right to be protected
from the publication of allegations
irrelevant to the public interest, or of
private photographs or other private
communication without authorization, or
of personal information given or received
in confidence. Databases derived from
personal or workplace communications or
transactions should not be used for
unauthorized commercial or general
surveillance purposes. However, nations
should take care that the protection of
privacy does not unduly interfere with the
freedom of expression or the
administration of justice.
Recommendations
Media 7 All people have the right of reply and to 15 People have the right to demand that
demand penalties for damage from media media respect standards of due process
misinformation. Individuals concerned in the coverage of trials. This implies that
should have an opportunity to correct, the media should not presume guilt before
without undue delay, statements relating a verdict of guilt, invade the privacy of
to them which they have a justified defendants, and should not televise
interest in having corrected. Such criminal trials in real time, while the trial
corrections should be given the same is in progress.
prominence as the original expression.
16 People have the right to useful and factual
14 People have the right to demand that consumer information and to be protected
media actively counter incitement to hate, against misleading and distorted
prejudice, violence, and war. Violence information. Media should avoid and, if
should not be presented as normal, necessary, expose promotion disguised
“manly”, or entertaining, and true as news and entertainment (infomercials,
consequences of and alternatives to product placement, children’s programs
violence should be shown. Other that use franchised characters and toys,
violations of human dignity and integrity to etc), and the creation of wasteful,
be avoided include stereotypic images unnecessary, harmful or ecologically
that distort the realities and complexities damaging needs, wants, products and
of people’s lives. Media should not activities. Advertising directed at children
ridicule, stigmatize, or demonize people should receive special scrutiny.
on the basis of gender, race, class,

ethnicity, language, sexual orientation,
and physical or mental condition.

continued
17 People have the right to hold media

accountable to the general public and
their adherence to the standards
established in this Charter. For that
purpose, media should establish
mechanisms, including self-regulatory
bodies, that monitor and account for
measures taken to achieve compliance.
Recommendations
Government 7 States should impose penalties for
proven damage, or require corrections,
where a court of law has determined that
an information provider has willfully
disseminated inaccurate or misleading
and damaging information, or has
facilitated the dissemination of such
information.
Recommendations
civil society.
Recommendations
private sector.
Recommendations
African Charter on Broadcasting

Recommendations
All Part iii: Community broadcasting Part iv: Telecommunications &
convergence
2 There should be clear recognition,
including by the international community, 3 The international community and African
of the difference between decentralised governments should mobilise resources
public broadcasting and community for funding research to keep abreast of
broadcasting. the rapidly changing media and technology
landscape in Africa.
3 The right of community broadcasters to
have access to the Internet, for the benefit
of their respective communities, should
be promoted.
Recommendations
Media 5 Training of media practitioners in
electronic communication, research and
publishing skills needs to be supported
and expanded.
Recommendations
Government Part i: Regulatory issues 6 Broadcasters should be required to
promote and develop local content.
1 The legal framework for broadcasting
should include a clear statement of the 7 States should promote an economic
principles underpinning broadcast environment that facilitates the
regulation, including promoting respect for development of independent production
freedom of expression, diversity, and the and diversity in broadcasting.
free flow of information and ideas, as well
8 The development of appropriate
as a three-tier system for broadcasting:
technology for the reception of
public service, commercial and
broadcasting signals should be promoted.
community.
Part ii: Public service broadcasting
2 All formal powers in the areas of
broadcast and telecommunications 1 All State and government controlled
regulation should be exercised by public broadcasters should be transformed into
authorities which are protected against public service broadcasters.
interference, particularly of a political or
2 PSBs should be governed by bodies which
economic nature.
are protected against interference.
3 Decision-making processes about the
3 & 4 The public service mandate and editorial
overall allocation of the frequency
independence of PSBs should be
spectrum should be open and
guaranteed.
participatory, and ensure that a fair
proportion of the spectrum is allocated to 5 PSBs should be adequately funded in a
broadcasting uses. manner that protects them from arbitrary
interference with their budgets.
4 The frequencies allocated to broadcasting
should be shared equitably among the 6 PSBs should be required to broadcast
three tiers of broadcasting. minimum quotas of material by
independent producers.
5 Licensing processes for the allocation of
frequencies should be fair and 7 The transmission infrastructure used by
transparent. public service broadcasters should be
made accessible to all broadcasters.

African Charter on Broadcasting
continued
Part iv: Telecommunications &

convergence
2 Telecommunications law and policy should
promote the goal of universal service
and access, including through access
clauses in privatisation and liberalisation
processes, and proactive measures
by the State.
4 African governments should promote the
development of online media and African
content.
Recommendations
Civil society Part v: Implementation
2 Media organisations and civil society in
Africa are encouraged to use the Charter
as a lobbying tool.
Recommendations
private sector.
Recommendations
Donors Part v: Implementation
1 UNESCO should distribute the African
Charter on Broadcasting as broadly as
possible.
4 UNESCO should undertake an audit of the
charter every five years.
5 UNESCO should raise with member
governments the importance of broadcast
production being given special status and
recognised as cultural goods under the
WTO rules.
6 UNESCO should take measures to
promote the inclusion of the theme of
media, communications and development
in an appropriate manner during WSIS
2003.
WSIS Declaration of Principles

Recommendations
All 20 Governments, as well as private sector, 60 We aim at making full use of the
civil society and the United Nations and opportunities offered by ICTs in our efforts
other international organizations have an to reach the internationally agreed
important role and responsibility in the development goals, including those
development of the Information Society contained in the Millennium Declaration,
and, as appropriate, in decision-making and to uphold the key principles set forth
processes. Building a people-centred in this Declaration. The Information
Information Society is a joint effort which Society is intrinsically global in nature and
requires cooperation and partnership national efforts need to be supported by
among all stakeholders. effective international and regional
cooperation among governments, the
48 The Internet has evolved into a global
private sector, civil society and other
facility available to the public and its
stakeholders, including the international
governance should constitute a core issue
financial institutions.
of the Information Society agenda. The
international management of the Internet
should be multilateral, transparent and
democratic, with the full involvement of
governments, the private sector, civil
society and international organizations.
It should ensure an equitable distribution
of resources, facilitate access for all and
ensure a stable and secure functioning of
the Internet, taking into account
multilingualism.
Recommendations
Media 32 Content creators, publishers, and
producers, as well as teachers, trainers,
archivists, librarians and learners, should
play an active role in promoting the
Information Society, particularly in the
Least Developed Countries.

continued
Recommendations
Government 23 Policies that create a favourable climate 30 The use of ICTs in all stages of education,
for stability, predictability and fair training and human resource development
competition at all levels should be should be promoted, taking into account
developed and implemented in a manner the special needs of persons with
that not only attracts more private disabilities and disadvantaged and
investment for ICT infrastructure vulnerable groups.
development but also enables universal
31 Continuous and adult education,
service obligations to be met in areas
re-training, life-long learning, distance-
where traditional market conditions fail to
learning and other special services, such
work. In disadvantaged areas, the
as telemedicine, can make an essential
establishment of ICT public access points
contribution to employability and help
in places such as post offices, schools,
people benefit from the new opportunities
libraries and archives, can provide
offered by ICTs for traditional jobs,
effective means for ensuring universal
self-employment and new professions.
access to the infrastructure and services
Awareness and literacy in ICTs are an
of the Information Society.
essential foundation in this regard.
26 A rich public domain is an essential
33 To achieve a sustainable development of
element for the growth of the Information
the Information Society, national capability
Society, creating multiple benefits such as
in ICT research and development should
an educated public, new jobs, innovation,
be enhanced. Furthermore, partnerships,
business opportunities, and the
in particular between and among
advancement of sciences. Information in
developed and developing countries,
the public domain should be easily
including countries with economies in
accessible to support the Information
transition, in research and development,
Society, and protected from
technology transfer, manufacturing and
misappropriation. Public institutions such
utilization of ICT products and services
as libraries and archives, museums,
are crucial for promoting capacity building
cultural collections and other community-
and global participation in the Information
based access points should be
Society. The manufacture of ICTs presents
strengthened so as to promote the
a significant opportunity for creation of
preservation of documentary records and
wealth.
free and equitable access to information.
37 Spam is a significant and growing problem
29 Each person should have the opportunity
for users, networks and the Internet as a
to acquire the necessary skills and
whole. Spam and cyber-security should be
knowledge in order to understand,
dealt with at appropriate national and
participate actively in, and benefit fully
international levels.
from, the Information Society and the
knowledge economy. Literacy and 39 The rule of law, accompanied by a
universal primary education are key supportive, transparent, pro-competitive,
factors for building a fully inclusive technologically neutral and predictable
information society, paying particular policy and regulatory framework reflecting
attention to the special needs of girls and national realities, is essential for building
women. Given the wide range of ICT and a people-centred Information Society.
information specialists required at all Governments should intervene, as
levels, building institutional capacity appropriate, to correct market failures, to
deserves special attention. maintain fair competition, to attract
investment, to enhance the development

of the ICT infrastructure and applications,
to maximize economic and social benefits,
and to serve national priorities.


continued
45 The radio frequency spectrum should be 51 The usage and deployment of ICTs should
managed in the public interest and in seek to create benefits in all aspects of
accordance with principle of legality, with our daily life. ICT applications are
full observance of national laws and potentially important in government
regulation as well as relevant international operations and services, health care and
agreements. health information, education and training,
employment, job creation, business,
46 In building the Information Society, States
agriculture, transport, protection of
are strongly urged to take steps with a
environment and management of natural
view to the avoidance of, and refrain from,
resources, disaster prevention, and
any unilateral measure not in accordance
culture, and to promote eradication of
with international law and the Charter of
poverty and other agreed development
the United Nations that impedes the full
goals. ICTs should also contribute to
achievement of economic and social
sustainable production and consumption
development by the population of the
patterns and reduce traditional barriers,
affected countries, and that hinders the
providing an opportunity for all to access
well-being of their population.
local and global markets in a more
47 Recognizing that ICTs are progressively equitable manner. Applications should be
changing our working practices, the user-friendly, accessible to all, affordable,
creation of a secure, safe and healthy adapted to local needs in languages and
working environment, appropriate to the cultures, and support sustainable
utilisation of ICTs, respecting all relevant development. To this effect, local
international norms, is fundamental. authorities should play a major role in the
provision of ICT services for the benefit of
49a Policy authority for Internet-related public
their populations.
policy issues is the sovereign right of
States. They have rights and
responsibilities for international Internet-
related public policy issues.


continued
Recommendations
Civil society 49c Civil society has also played an important
role on Internet matters, especially at
community level, and should continue to
play such a role.
Recommendations
Private sector 41 ICTs are an important enabler of growth 49b The private sector has had and should
through efficiency gains and increased continue to have an important role in the
productivity, in particular by small and development of the Internet, both in
medium sized enterprises (SMEs). the technical and economic fields.
In this regard, the development of
the Information Society is important for
broadly-based economic growth in both
developed and developing economies.
ICT-supported productivity gains and
applied innovations across economic
sectors should be fostered. Equitable
distribution of the benefits contributes
to poverty eradication and social
development. Policies that foster
productive investment and enable firms,
notably SMEs, to make the changes
needed to seize the benefits from ICTs,
are likely to be the most beneficial.
Recommendations
Donors 36 While recognizing the principles of
universal and non-discriminatory access
to ICTs for all nations, we support the
activities of the United Nations to prevent
the potential use of ICTs for purposes that
are inconsistent with the objectives of
maintaining international stability and
security, and may adversely affect the
integrity of the infrastructure within
States, to the detriment of their security.
It is necessary to prevent the use of
information resources and technologies
for criminal and terrorist purposes, while
respecting human rights.
UNDP Access to Information

Recommendations
All Provides an overview of UNDP work on
Access to Information and a list of other
organisations working in the field –
no recommendations.
Recommendations
Recommendations
government.
Recommendations
civil society.
Recommendations
private sector.
Recommendations
Commission for Africa: Our common interest

Recommendations
All p143 African media would benefit from a
regional or continental media reference
point. Independent media institutions,
public service broadcasters, civil society
and the private sector, with support from
governments, should form a consortium of
partners, in Africa and outside, to provide
funds and expertise to create an African
media development facility.
p154 One thing that has emerged from all our
considerations on issues of governance
and capacity is the importance of good
information and communication.
Recommendations
Media p35 Africa’s journalists have a crucial role in p144 A more effective African media will
holding the government to account and contribute to informed perceptions of the
exposing corruption and inefficiency. continent in the rest of the world. We
But at present its journalists are not challenge the media sector to do more
sufficiently free or professional. They need to ensure that audiences in developed
more training, in both journalistic countries understand what is happening
techniques and professional ethics. in Africa, including through monitoring
their coverage of Africa and increasing
p63 To build the necessary political will Africa
programme co-production with African
needs to become an issue that cannot be
professionals. African media should be
ignored in the domestic politics of G8
supported to serve audiences outside the
countries – the media has a role to play
continent via the Internet.
in this.
p141 The media is a key mechanism in
accountability.
p141 International institutions addressing
participation issues should question the
way they work, including using community
media, and new forms of ICT.
p143 The media is an educator and a key
information source that can help deliver
the MDGs, promote transparent
governance and, through balanced
reporting, help prevent conflicts. The wide
benefits from plural media means it acts
as a public good in development.
African journalists should maintain strong
self-regulation and professional ethics in
order to allow the media to fulfil its role as
a public watchdog and generator of
change.

Commission for Africa: Our common interest
continued
Recommendations
Government p14 Improving accountability is the job of The political environment must be
African leaders. They can do that by supportive of diverse, plural and free
broadening the participation of ordinary media, with a balance of public service,
people in government processes, in part private, community and local media.
by strengthening institutions like (…) AU/NEPAD should encourage African
the media. governments to eliminate any current
restrictions on mass media, promote
p35 African governments can assist media
competitive frameworks that enable
independence by granting commercial
investment in diverse broadcasting
licences for radio stations to compete with
infrastructure, and develop flexible
the state-owned stations from which most
regulatory environments and legal
Africans get their news. Journalists and
frameworks in cooperation with civil
editors in other countries could assist
society. They should strengthen their
here too.
relationship with civil society and
p143 The right to receive information and the independent media institutions.
right to freedom of expression must be
respected.
The monopolisation of the media by any
one group, including the government,
undermines media freedom and popular
trust, and creates space for distortion
and rumour.
Recommendations
civil society.
Recommendations
private sector.
Recommendations
Donors p15 Donors should fund a doubling of
spending on infrastructure, including ICTs.
p143 Donors should substantially increase their
funding to African independent media
institutions and those governments
promoting free media. Communications
infrastructure must also be strengthened.
p314 Donors should focus on the processes
by which ordinary citizens can hold
government to account, such as the
freedom and capacity of the popular
media, especially radio, to scrutinise
resource use.
UN World Summit Outcome (MDGs)

Recommendations
All 60 We recognise that science and 144 We commit ourselves to taking action to
technology, including ICTs are vital for promote a culture of peace and dialogue
the achievement of the development at the local, national, regional and
goals. We therefore commit ourselves to: international levels and request the
Secretary-General to explore enhancing
g Building a people-centred and inclusive
implementation mechanisms and to
information society so as to enhance
follow up on those initiatives.
digital opportunities for all people in order
to help bridge the digital divide, putting 155 Economic and Social Council should
the potential of ICTs at the service of a) promote global dialogue and
development and addressing new partnership on global policies and trends
challenges of the information society by in the economic, social, environmental
implementing the outcomes of the Geneva and humanitarian fields.
WSIS and ensuring the success of
the Tunis WSIS. We welcome
the establishment of the Digital Solidarity
Fund and encourage voluntary
contributions to its financing.
Recommendations
Recommendations
government.
Recommendations
civil society.
Recommendations
private sector.
Recommendations
WSIS Tunis Agenda for the Information Society

Recommendations
All 19 The international community should take 28 We reaffirm our desire to build ICT
necessary measures to ensure that all networks and develop applications, in
countries of the world have equitable and partnership with the private sector.
affordable access to ICTs, so that their
29 We reiterate the need to encourage and
benefits in the fields of socio-economic
foster collaborative development, inter-
development and bridging the digital
operative platforms and free and open-
divide are truly inclusive.
source software.
20,21,
22 Particular attention must be paid to
30 We reaffirm our commitment to leveraging
marginalized and vulnerable groups;
ICT capabilities and potential through
people of developing countries; and
fostering and strengthening cooperation
indigenous people.
at the national, regional and international
23 We encourage all stakeholders to support levels.
women’s participation in decision-making
31 We commit ourselves to work together
processes and to contribute to shaping all
towards the implementation of the Digital
spheres of the IS at international, regional
Solidarity Fund.
and national levels.
32 We further commit ourselves to promote
24 We will strengthen action to protect
the inclusion of all peoples in the IS
children from abuse and defend their
through the development and use of local
rights in the context of ICTs.
and/or indigenous languages in ICTs.
25 We reaffirm our commitment to
33 We will strive to mobilize resources, to
empowering young people as key
enable us to increase the use of ICT for
contributors to building an inclusive IS.
development.
Recommendations
Recommendations
Government 17 We urge governments, using the potential
of ICTs, to create public systems of
information on laws and regulations,
envisaging a wider development of public
access points and supporting the broad
availability of this information.
Recommendations
civil society.

WSIS Tunis Agenda for the Information Society
continued
Recommendations
private sector.
Recommendations
DFID Eliminating world poverty:

Making governance work for the poor (White Paper)
Recommendations
All p49 The UK will work with large developing
countries through ‘Sustainable
Development Dialogues’ to share
experiences on managing the
environmental impacts
of growth.
Recommendations
Recommendations
Government p22 Good governance includes p41 The UK will invest in monitoring human
‘responsiveness’ (taking account of rights and support the media to raise
citizens’ aspirations and needs), part of awareness and gather evidence when
which is providing ways for people to say states fail in their responsibilities.
what they think and need; and
p46 Investment in infrastructure is critical.
‘accountability’ (being answerable for
Africa in particular suffers from a lack
what is done), part of which is encouraging
of communications.
a free media and freedom
of faith and association.
Recommendations
Civil society p23 Improvements in governance take place
when civil society organisations give
citizens power, help poor people get their
voices heard.
p28 Grassroots organisations and the media
play a vital role in generating public debate
about corruption by campaigning against it.
Recommendations
Private sector p23 Improvements in governance take place
when professionals press for more open
media and the rule of law.
p25 The media ask tough questions and
encourage debate.
Recommendations
AMDI Strengthening Africa’s private

independent media
Recommendations
All 2 The media is both an engine and tool for 5.2.2 Using concessional funds to mitigate risk
development, and itself benefits from the for commercial lenders.
virtuous cycle. Growth creates demand for
10 It would be possible to set up an African-
new media markets, which feeds further
led, partially virtual facility, leveraging
growth. A flourishing national media is
the leading media houses as nuclei for
important to democracy and growth.
activities. A small team of experienced
3 Accelerating this requires new commercial managers/leaders should be able to do
lending in higher growth economies, donor organisational health and mentoring, on
support for low income, and mixed a regional basis, for media SMEs.
approaches in between. AMDI The private sector should contribute to
recommendations should address the cost of this. Support was expressed
institutional gaps in each type of market. by media houses and international
organisations present for this proposal.
5 A new facility could examine means to
strengthen the commercial environment 11 A similar approach could be adopted to
for media by: developing journalism skills.
5.1 Underpinning the sector 15 Investment Climate – regulation has to be
transparent and predictable to encourage
5.1.1 Support for the establishment of
investment. Regulators lack the technical
independent national audience
skills and don’t always act consistently.
measurement and media monitoring
Licensing can be used to put pressure on
facilities. This is necessary to build the
editorial positions.
advertising culture required to provide
increased revenues. Once the
infrastructure is in place, it is up to the
media to develop the marketing skills
to benefit.
5.2 Lending
5.2.1 ROI on typical infrastructure investment
(e.g. printing press) exceeds the normal
lending cycle of local banks. AMDI should
address how to provide funding, possibly
on a regional basis, to underwrite long
term debt which cannot be mobilised
through local markets or financial
institutions; or assisting by bringing
smaller investments to market by bundling
them, or assisting them to corporatise
their operations.

AMDI Strengthening Africa’s private independent media
continued
Recommendations
Media 5.1.2 The development of commercial, 13 A more collective approach to regulation
management and professional skills by private media operators will help
utilising the training resources of large ensure that media regulation allows a free
media houses and regional centres. and independent media. The APRM
mechanism offers a platform through

which the media can advance good
regulatory practice.
Recommendations
government.
Recommendations
Civil society 9 AMDI should concentrate on developing
the use of African and developed market
expertise – including Diaspora – to build
capacity in less developed markets
through in-house, sustained assistance.
12 AMDI should therefore map the training
capacity and the skills gaps, and work out
how to bring providers together, and
donors were urged to assist such a new
initiative within AMDI.
Recommendations
private sector.
Recommendations
Donors 4 Sector wide media support is required for
low income countries which cannot
sustain commercial media. This should be
factored into development policy of
donors.
UNDP Communication for Empowerment

Recommendations
All Provides a practical guide to
Communication for Empowerment for
UNDP staff – no specific
recommendations.
Recommendations
Recommendations
government.
Recommendations
civil society.
Recommendations
private sector.
Recommendations
What do they think? Policy-makers

and the role of communication for development
A perception study conducted in 2005–2006 and policy-makers’ perceptions of communication
for development: two surveys 12 years apart both by Colin Fraser & Sonia Resrepo Estrada
Recommendations
All The confusion between communication for
development and public information/PR
needs to be cleared up. Re-creating the
image of communication for development
would be one way of making it easily
distinguishable from other areas of
communication work.
Recommendations
Recommendations
government.
Recommendations
Civil society p5 Communication for development a mapping a communication network
specialists must have a better tailored to the environment in question
understanding of the subject matter in
b developing a rigorous stakeholders
which they are entrusted and must learn
analysis that includes political,
to work with technicians in a
social, and economic realities
multidisciplinary way.
c grasping the scientific methodologies that
p6 The development communication
express and reflect public sentiment in
community must take a more pragmatic
the forms of surveys, public opinion polls
approach when becoming involved in
etc and
development projects and programmes
which facilitates greater understanding d mastering monitoring and evaluation
for those involved in the formulation techniques.
and implementation processes. Some
practical ways to achieve this include
improved knowledge and effective
application of the following areas:
Recommendations
private sector.
Recommendations
WCCD Rome Consensus

Recommendations
All 3 Strengthen the communication for 7 Strengthen partnerships and networks at
development capacity within countries international, national and local levels to
and organisations at all levels. This advance communication for development
includes: people in their communities; and improve development outcomes.
communication for development
8 Move towards a rights-based approach to
specialists and other staff including
communication for development.
through the further development of
training courses and academic
programmes.
4 Expand the level of financial investment to
ensure adequate, coordinated, financing
of the core elements of communication for
development. This includes budget line[s]
for development communication.
Recommendations
Recommendations
Government 1 Overall national development policies
should include specific communication for
development components.
5 Adoption and implementation of policies
and legislation that provide an enabling
environment for communication for
development – including free and
pluralistic media, the right to information
and to communicate.
Recommendations
Civil society 2 Development organisations should 6 Development communication programmes
include communication for development should be required to identify and include
as a central element at the inception of appropriate monitoring and evaluation
programmes. indicators and methodologies throughout
the process.
Recommendations
private sector.
Recommendations
UN Delivering as one:
Report of the secretary-general’s high-level panel
Recommendations
All No specific recommendations related to
communication.
Recommendations
Recommendations
government.
Recommendations
civil society.
Recommendations
private sector.
Recommendations
STREAM African framework for the development

of a sustainable and pluralistic media
Recommendations
All Cluster 1: Freedom of expression and Cluster 4: Sustainability
information
Conduct a comprehensive analysis
Sensitize lawyers and the judiciary on of existing media funds and facilities
international and continental standards available to African media, whether
related to freedom of expression and private, public or community. Where
information. such funds exist, develop proposals
to strengthen and extend their remit as
Cluster 2: Policy and regulation
needed towards ensuring sustainable
Undertake an audit of existing national media, bearing in mind the appropriate
laws and policies to identify poor financing instruments (loans or grants)
regulation (such as incoherence between depending on the type of media
media laws and national constitutions) concerned. Where there are clear gaps,
and promote the design and develop proposals as to how these can
implementation of policies and legal be addressed by the establishment of
frameworks that enable, rather than new mechanisms as appropriate.
stifle, the growth of a strong, pluralistic
Conduct analysis of different models of
and sustainable media in Africa.
media funding and co-ownership to inform
Promote legislation to mitigate the strategies for economic sustainability of
negative impacts of media concentration, African media.
promote fair competition and ensure
Undertake comprehensive research into
diversity.
the community media sector in Africa,
Cluster 3: Capacity building as a means of identifying its reach and
scope and strengths and weaknesses.
Undertake a comprehensive audit of
On the basis of the research findings,
existing media training in Africa, identify
develop a strategy to ensure sustainable
gaps and problems, and develop
and effective community media in Africa.
proposals to strengthen training.
Undertake a study of the conditions
Develop minimum standards for training
in African countries with regard to taxes
of all kinds by advocating for and
imposed on the importation of media
developing models for competency testing
equipment and inputs, including
and academic recognition.
newsprint. On the basis of the results of
Establish and strengthen networks of the study, advocate for the lowering or
specialized training centres and trainers waiving of taxes on the import of media
to rationalize and consolidate thematic equipment and other inputs.
training offerings – for example on
Advocate for the recognition of the media
reporting HIV/AIDS, multimedia and
as a sector in its own right and avail
ICTs – and promote the sharing of
investor funds to build the financial
curricula.
sustainability of the media.
Promote the pooling of training expertise,
Promote the use of independent
mentoring and resources as a means of
circulation auditing to gather more robust
widening access across media to cutting
data and thereby strengthen media
edge and affordable training.
markets.
Develop accreditation mechanisms for
Produce periodic reports (ideally annually)
training centres.
on the state of the media in Africa.

continued
Cluster 5: Professionalism and ethics Establish an African Media Award to

showcase and reward outstanding media
Develop tools and mechanisms to monitor
practice, entrepreneurship, innovation
the status of implementation of norms,
and public interest journalism.
standards and best practice related to
ownership, editorial independence and Promote fair and equitable working
public interest journalism. conditions for women in the African media,
and advocate for an end to sexual
Ensure that regional norms and standards
harassment and other forms of gender-
on professionalism and ethics in the
based discrimination.
African media are widely disseminated
and respected across the board.
Establish and encourage the development
of professional networks (such as the
African Economics Editors Network) and
regional forums (such as the Festival des
Ondes de Bamako and Highway Africa) to
strengthen the practice of media in Africa.
Recommendations
Media Cluster 1: Freedom of expression and Develop and sustain stronger links
information between the media industry and media
training industry.
Develop an awareness-raising strategy to
promote better understanding within the Actively promote and develop media
media itself of national media laws, to exchange programmes within Africa as a
educate the media on its responsibility to value-added strategy for strengthening
provide accurate information, and to capacity.
educate the public at large on its rights to
Promote the establishment of networks
information.
and associations of media owners to
Cluster 2: Policy and regulation strengthen the capacity to develop and
sustain media enterprises.
Advocate for the transformation of state-
owned media into public service media Strengthen or where appropriate establish
that operates independently from the regional centres of excellence as a means
influence of the state and political parties of overcoming national media capacity
in line with internationally recognized building shortfalls.
norms and practices (African charter on
Cluster 5: Professionalism and ethics
Broadcasting).
Develop mechanisms to strengthen the
Cluster 3: Capacity building
organization of media practitioners to
Promote the establishment of in-house combat poor wages and working
training policies for media houses that conditions. Where they exist (e.g. in
promote sequential and on-going learning. francophone Africa), explore ways of
bolstering and ensuring the respect for
Advocate for and promote more on-site
national and sub-regional legal codes that
training as an important strategy for
guarantee minimum working conditions
continuous skills building and knowledge
for media practitioners.
acquisition.


continued
Cluster 6: Content Ensure the production and dissemination

of content that reflects the diversity of
Ensure the respect for and promotion of
interests, the opinions and the voices of
cultural and linguistic diversity as well as
different social actors, including the
gender balance in Africa’s media, and in
marginalized.
particular support the use of local
languages. Promote the use by media of ICTs to
digitize and share content across Africa.
Facilitate the conducting of audience
surveys to determine relevant content/
formats.
Strengthen awareness of the media’s
responsibility and critical role in
addressing the burning development
challenges facing Africa – including in
health, governance, conflict and peace
building, and globalization.
Recommendations
Government Cluster 1: Freedom of expression and Cluster 4: Sustainability
information
Advocate for public funding to ensure
Actively promote the adoption and the development and sustainability of
domestication by all African governments community, local, small and emerging
of the Declaration of Principles on media as well as media producing public
Freedom of Expression in Africa, as well as interest content.
Article 9 of the African Charter on Human
Advocate for the removal of unfair
and People’s Rights, on freedom of
competition from state media funded by
expression.
public resources – e.g. for an end to
Advocate for the adoption, ratification, preferential access of state media to
domestication and implementation of all public advertising.
international and continental freedom of
information principles, norms and
standards.
Cluster 2: Policy and regulation
Advocate for the licensing of community
media in all African countries.
Promote the establishment of legislation
to ensure that the important potential of
convergence as an opportunity for media
development is realized.
Recommendations
civil society.

continued
Recommendations
Private sector Cluster 2: Policy and regulation
Promote good corporate governance
among African media enterprises.
Recommendations
Donors Cluster 6: Content
Advocate for ‘public interest’ funds within
countries and in the context of regional
mechanisms and initiatives such as
NEPAD and the African Union, to be
allocated to media across sectors
producing content in the public interest.
Such funds could be modelled on
universal access funds created to
promote the use of ICTs in rural areas.
UNDP Towards a common UN system approach:

Harnessing communication to achieve the MDGs (draft)
Paper for 10th inter-agency round table
Recommendations
communication.
Recommendations
Recommendations
government.
Recommendations
civil society.
Recommendations
private sector.
Recommendations
Donors Recommendation & proposals for d Mainstreaming communication for
incorporating C4D into the UNDAF/CCA development whilst also building stronger
and other country level planning capacity and dedicated staffing.
processes:
e Development of a framework and
a UNDG takes responsibility for ensuring parameters for supporting national
that the CCA guidelines include provisions partners to agree on common indicators
for conducting information & against which work of communication for
communication needs assessments. development can be measured.
b UN Resident Coordinators take f Developing support mechanisms that
responsibility for ensuring that information encourage innovation and independence
& communication needs assessments are in communication for development.
incorporated into CCAs.
c UN Resident Coordinator established and
chairs an ongoing coordination
mechanism for communication for
development.
UNESCO Towards a common UN system approach:

The role of communication for development in achieving the MDGs
Paper for 10th inter-agency round table
Recommendations
communication.
Recommendations
Recommendations
government.
Recommendations
civil society.
Recommendations
private sector.
Recommendations
Donors Tentative plan of action for joint 5.2 Strengthen capacities & skills (build
UN inter-agency collaboration: institutional capacity to deliver training),
5.1 Creating and enabling environment for 5.3 Enhance public participation in policy
C4D (policy advocacy; technical making.
assistance in preparing legislation;
5.4 Mainstream C4D in the UN system.
harness the role of national broadcasting
services to enhance policy formulation;
provide support to build pluralistic and
democratic media systems).
10th Inter-agency round table on communication

for development: Recommendations
Recommendations
communication.
Recommendations
Recommendations
government.
Recommendations
civil society.
Recommendations
private sector.
Recommendations
Donors [Participants request] the chief c to call upon the UN Resident Coordinator
executives board of the United Nations System to ensure greater coherence
system: and coordination of communication for
development at the country level
a to impress upon senior-level decision-
makers of United Nations Specialized d to establish a formal inter-agency
Agencies, Programmes and Funds the mechanism promoting and enhancing
importance of prioritizing communication communication for development within
for development principles and the United Nations System.
methodologies in all programmatic areas,
and the need to allocate human, technical
and financial resources for this effort
b to advise the heads of respective
agencies, programmes and funds to
integrate communication for development
principles and methodologies into
programme and project planning,
execution, monitoring and evaluation;
to ensure the incorporation of
communication for development
principles and methodologies, including
needs assessments, into CCA/UNDAF
guidelines, or equivalent exercises, so
as to improve development results
Panos London tel +44 (0)20 7278 1111
9 White Lion Street fax +44 (0)20 7278 0345
London N1 9PD info@panos.org.uk
United Kingdom www.panos.org.uk

Mapping c4d Weby0rKKn

Uploaded by

Document Information

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Mapping c4d Weby0rKKn

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Mapping

Promoting dialogue, debate and change

© Panos London, July 2007

1948 back to contents page

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights

1980 back to contents page

The MacBride Report

1980 back to contents page

34 Developing countries should pay particular 64 The creation of appropriate communication

1980 back to contents page

80 Due attention should be paid to the

1980 back to contents page

1980 back to contents page

55 All countries [should] adopt measures to 65 Communication policy-makers should give

1980 back to contents page

1991 back to contents page

1991 back to contents page

1992 back to contents page

Declaration of Alma Ata

1992 back to contents page

1994 back to contents page

1994 back to contents page

1996 back to contents page

1996 back to contents page

1996 back to contents page

1996 back to contents page

UNECA African Information

1993 back to contents page

The People’s Communication Charter

1993 back to contents page

12 All people have a right to universal access

1993 back to contents page

17 People have the right to hold media

2001 back to contents page

African Charter on Broadcasting

2001 back to contents page

Part iv: Telecommunications &

2003 back to contents page

WSIS Declaration of Principles

2003 back to contents page

2003 back to contents page

2003 back to contents page

2003 back to contents page

UNDP Access to Information

2005 back to contents page

Commission for Africa: Our common interest

2005 back to contents page

2005 back to contents page

UN World Summit Outcome (MDGs)

2005 back to contents page

WSIS Tunis Agenda for the Information Society

2005 back to contents page

2006 back to contents page

DFID Eliminating world poverty:

2006 back to contents page

AMDI Strengthening Africa’s private

2006 back to contents page

2006 back to contents page

UNDP Communication for Empowerment

2006 back to contents page

What do they think? Policy-makers

2006 back to contents page

WCCD Rome Consensus

2006 back to contents page