Jakarta, IO – Indonesia was elected as a member of the International Program for the Development of Communications (IPDC) Council, a UNESCO program for global media development that supports pluralism, gender equality and counters hate speech.
The membership is for the 2023-27 period. Indonesia represents Regional Group IV (Asia Pacific). Previously, Indonesia was also elected as a member of the UNESCO Executive Board, per Kemlu.go.id, Mon (20/11).
Indonesia’s election is a momentum for the country to take a strategic role in navigating digital media and policy transformation through UNESCO. This was conveyed by Mohamad Oemar, the Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to France, Andorra, Monaco.
“Indonesia is committed to continuing to actively participate in dialogue and collaborate with other member countries in responding to issues of media and technology development,” said Mohamad, who is also Indonesia’s Permanent Delegate for UNESCO.
Indonesia will now have a voice in determining policy recommendations for access to information to ensure fundamental freedom of expression and freedom of press are guaranteed online and offline in line with international standards.
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IPDC’s priorities include addressing media policy issues, especially those related to internet transparency and media sustainability, empowering journalism education institutions and the safety of journalists.
“Given that UNESCO prioritizes equality, we also voice the importance of policies that encourage media that is friendly to people with disabilities,” said Oemar. (bp)