Indonesia Elected to Intergovernmental Council of UNESCO's Programme

TheIndonesia.co - Indonesia has been elected to the intergovernmental council of the International Programme for the Development of Communication (IPDC) of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) for the 2023–2027 period.

Through the election, which took place during the 42nd UNESCO General Conference in Paris, France, on Thursday, November 16, local time, Indonesia was elected as a member of the council's communication and information commission.

"Indonesia is committed to sustaining its active participation, holding dialogue, and cooperating with other member countries in responding to developments in media and technology," permanent delegate of the Republic of Indonesia to UNESCO, Mohamad Oemar, said in a statement, as quoted by Antara, Friday.

Oemar added that Indonesia will actively participate in the formulation of policies related to communication and media at UNESCO forums.

Indonesia, along with Thailand, will represent Regional Group IV from the Asia-Pacific region in the IPDC intergovernmental council.

Oemar, who is also serving as the Indonesian Ambassador to France, Andorra and Monaco, said that the council's membership would allow Indonesia to play a strategic role in navigating the transformation of media and digital policies through UNESCO.

He added that Indonesia will take part in formulating policies, supervising the protection of freedom of expression, and ensuring access to information, as well as the implementation of digital transformation.

Oemar said, Indonesia will strive to ensure the protection of fundamental freedoms according to international standards.

The IPDC intergovernmental council has the responsibility of monitoring the developments in UNESCO's communication and information programs with the aim of achieving the sustainable development goals.

One of the council's priorities is to handle issues regarding media policies, especially those related to internet transparency and media sustainability, the empowerment of journalism education institutions, and the safety of journalists.

The council plays a vital role in promoting freedom of expression, advocating media pluralism and independence, building communities with inclusive knowledge, and supporting the use of digital technology in an innovative manner.

The intergovernmental council constitutes an executive agency tasked with devising and providing suggestions to UNESCO's executive council regarding programs related to the global development of media.

The programs are aimed at supporting media pluralism, gender equality, combating hate speeches, and strengthening access to information.

Here are members of the council for the 2023–2027 period:

Regional Group I: Austria, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Norway

Regional Group II: Estonia, Ukraine

Regional Group III: Brazil, Chile, Venezuela

Regional Group IV: Indonesia, Thailand

Regional Group Va: Burkina Faso, Congo, Ghana, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Regional Group Vb: Egypt, Yemen