UNESCO New Zealand

Overview

Background

Action

Sub Commission

Overview

Empowering people through the free flow of ideas by word and image, and by access to information and knowledge.

The three main strategic objectives of the Sector’s programmes are:

Freedom of expression 

(i) promoting the value of  freedom of expression especially to the young,  in collaboration with schools,  tertiary and other training organisations and,

ii) helping to foster free and independent media and press freedoms.

Bridging the digital divide

(i) Enhancing universal access to information and  knowledge by  promoting access for all to information and communication technologies and  by identifying,  producing and  disseminating information for human development.

ii) the preservation of  documentary heritage through programmes like Memory of the World.

Literacy

As part of  capacity building,  working  intersectorally and with external partners to promote literacy.

Background

UNESCO's Communication and Information programme is based on the analysis that despite significant advances in providing access to information and knowledge,  inequalities persist in members states.  The strategy focuses on implementing   UNESCO's concept of  inclusive, equitable, open and participatory  knowledge societies - based on these  four principles: freedom of expression, universal access, quality education and cultural diversity.

Work is now under way on  programmes which  align with the UNESCO's  strategy for this sector.

Action

Library Week

The Communications Sub Commission is a longterm supporter of the work carried out by LIANZA, Library and Information Association of New Zealand Aotearoa, in encouraging the literacy of young New Zealanders.

Freedom of Expression

The support for David Robie, editor of Pacific Media Watch, to attend a meeting of media specialists in Apia in April 2009 indicated the importance placed on this area of the UNESCO programme.

Further work is being co-ordinated with other agencies including a curriculum package for secondary school students, and other means of raising awareness of the issue of media freedom with all ages, particularly youth.

Memory of the World

Preservation of key documents from around the Asia Pacific region has been the subject of much discussion in recent years. New Zealand has participated in these discussions and continues to offer support to the Pacific, in particular, with identifying and preserving its founding documents.

Sub Commission

Chair, Vacant

Mr Tim McBride - Civil Rights lawyer      

Mr Nigel Horrocks - Online Product Manager 

Mr Stephen Stehlin - Tagata Pasikifia

Mr Paul Norris - Director NZ Broadcasting School

Ms Evelyn Wareham - Statistics NZ

Mrs Dawn Sanders - Shakespeare Globe Centre NZ

Ms Olivia Wannan - Youth Rep        

Dr Sharad Paul - Literacy Adviser       

Mr Derek Wenmoth - CORE Education

Ms Barbara Craig - School of Education, Victoria University

Dr Ruth Zanker  - School of Broadcasting