IPDC (international programme for development of communication)

An American initiative at the twentieth session of the general conference UNESCO in 1978 provided impetus for the establishment of IPDC. The leader of the American delegation stated that if the countries of the world were not be divided into two camps for ever- the information rich and information poor- it would be necessary to organize systematic, long range and concerted international cooperation for communication development.

 In the basic texts of UNESCO General Conference, the objectives of the IPDC, divided into four main categories are as under:Assistance IPDC is to assist developing countries, at their request, with analysis of their communication needs and with planning and development of their capacity in the field of communication, in particular concerning the contribution to endogenous economic, social and cultural development. The IPDC is also to promote reciprocal consultations among institutions in the developing countries.

Co-ordination The IPDC is to strengthen co-operation and coordination among all the parties which are engaged in international communication development, both within and outside the UN system. The IPDC is also to encourage contact between those who require assistance and those who can offer the needed assistance.

Information The IPDC is to gather information on global needs and resources, study the experience which is gained on international co-operation in the field of communication development, and contribute to increased awareness as to the significance of communication for the development process.

Financing The IPDC is to seek to encourage contribution to communication projects from all available sources and to mobilize the resources which are needed to carry out the first three tasks