25 November 2014: Members of the Council of the International Programme for the Development of Communication (IPDC) expressed disappointment that “media and freedom of expression are not at the heart of the future development agenda but only in the periphery,” in a decision of the Council’s 29th session. The proceedings reflected on advocacy efforts around media and the post-2015 development agenda, and agreed on the importance of continuing to urge the inclusion of media and freedom of expression during negotiations on the post-2015 development agenda.

The 39 Council members discussed a ‘Status Report on IPDC’s Contributions to the Post-2015 Development Agenda Process,’ which outlines the IPDC Secretariat’s advocacy for the inclusion of free, independent and pluralistic media in negotiations on the post-2015 agenda. For instance, the report notes the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) submitted suggestions to the UN Technical Support Team (TST) on the IDPC’s Knowledge-Driven Media Development Initiative.

Various working documents considered by the Open Working Group (OWG) on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) included aspects related to communication, the report notes, but the Outcome Document does not include the element of “free media.” The report appeals to Member States “to constantly and consistently advocate for the inclusion of free, independent and pluralistic media as a key target and indicator of sustainable development, particularly as the process now decidedly moves into the arena of domestic and UN General Assembly (UNGA) discussions.”

UNESCO organized the session, which convened in Paris, France, from 20-21 November 2014. UNESCO’s General Conference elects the 39 members of the intergovernmental Council of IPDC. The Council is responsible for, inter alia: developing programme priorities; policy making; guiding the planning and implementation of the Programme; and reviewing and assessing achievements. [UNESCO Press Release] [Publication: Status Report on IPDC’s Contributions to the Post-2015 Development Agenda Process] [IPDC Website] [Decisions Taken by the 29th IPDC Council Session]