Programme

Last update:20 April 2023

Created by UNESCO Member States in 2001, IFAP provides a framework for international co-operation and partnerships aimed at building inclusive and sustainable Knowledge Societies. 

The Programme is guided in its planning and implementation by an Intergovernmental Council, currently comprising 18 UNESCO Member States that are elected by UNESCO鈥檚 General Conference.  The Council guides the planning and implementation of the programme by considering relevant proposals, recommending broad lines of action, assessing achievements, encouraging the participation of Member States, and supporting fundraising efforts.

 

The Intergovernmental Council elects a Bureau composed of six members: a Chair, four Vice-Chairs and a Rapporteur.  Members of the Bureau fulfil their roles and responsibilities in accordance with the 鈥溾.  The Members of the Bureau also assume the role as chair of 6 working groups.

The 6 working groups, corresponding to the 6 priority areas of IFAP, play an important role in the implementation of IFAP's activities and are responsible for developing detailed contributions to IFAP鈥檚 work.  The 6 priorities are Information for Development, Information Literacy, Information Ethics, Information Preservation, Information Accessibility and Multilingualism.

In addition, several National IFAP Committees pursue the goals of IFAP at the national level by serving as a meeting point for various stake-holders and as an avenue for the transfer of knowledge from the international to the national level.

Objectives

  • Provide a platform for international policy discussions, cooperation and the development of guidelines for action in the area of access to information and knowledge;
  • Support Member States to develop and implement national information policy and strategy frameworks in the 6 priority areas;
  • Serve as an advisory body to the Director-General;
  • Work in close cooperation and provides inputs to UNESCO鈥檚 WSIS actions;
  • Collaborate with other Intergovernmental Bodies of UNESCO.