Transport and Communication 'Communication' is one of the domains detailed in the Mauritius Strategy which relates to the concerns and activities of UNESCO. The present page is intended to provide a framework for those seeking information on UNESCO’s contribution to the implementation of the Mauritius Strategy.

Access to and use of new information and communication technologies and the development of community multimedia centres are two actions in the Mauritius Strategy that are already reflected in the Organization’s programmes and projects. High connectivity costs and distribution problems for print media are among the obstacles faced by small islands. The main contribution of UNESCO to the implementation of Chapter X of the Mauritius Strategy comes through the work of its Communication and Information Sector (CI), which was established in its present form in 1990. Its programmes are rooted in UNESCO's Constitution, which requires the Organization to promote the "free flow of ideas by word and image." In addition to its staff at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, the CI Sector is represented in 27 UNESCO field offices. The Communication and Information Sector consists of the Communication Development Division (CI/COM), the Division for Freedom of Expression, Democracy and Peace (CI/FED) and the Information Society Division (CI/INF). The Sector also provides the secretariats for two intergovernmental programmes : The International Programme for the Development of Communication (IPDC) plays a major role in media development. It is an important forum in the UN system designed to develop free and pluralistic media with a global approach to democratic development. The Information for All Programme (IFAP) provides a platform for international policy discussions and guidelines for action on the preservation of information and universal access to it, the participation of all in the emerging global information society, and the ethical, legal and societal consequences of ICT developments. ----------------------------- PROJECTS World Summit on the Information Society Media Development Media Development and the IPDC Media Education Community Multimedia Centres Connecting Island Communities: Nurturing Telecentre Initiatives in the Pacific Local e-Governance Languages in Cyberspace Preserving Documentary Heritage Memory of the World Information Literacy Freedom of Expression and Democracy Internet Discussion Forums Participation Programme UNESCO Focal Points for Communication and Information in SIDS Regions Archive (i.e. pre-January 2005).