News
Switzerland announces a new contribution to UNESCO's Multi-Donor Programme on Freedom of Expression and Safety of Journalists
This new funding underscores Switzerland's continued commitment to democracy, press freedom and journalists safety globally, building on an initial contribution made to the MDP in 2018.
Mr Thomas Gürber, Ambassador, Chief of the Divion of the United Nations of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) highlighted that the new contribution is an outcome of a strategic dialogue between Switzerland and UNESCO. The funds aim to support the important work on Safety of Journalists and Freedom of Expression as a bedrock for democracy.
Switzerland now joins other key donors in reaffirming support for the MDP's impactful initiatives. These efforts include protecting journalists, promoting freedom of expression, fostering media development, and enhancing media and information literacy.
The MDP plays a pivotal role in global advocacy through flagship events such as World Press Freedom Day (WPFD), the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists (IDEI), the International Day of Universal Access to Information (IDUAI), the Media and Information Literacy Week, and World Radio Day. Over the past year, the Programme has expanded UNESCO’s work under the Internet for Trust initiative and launched the Global Initiative for Information Integrity on Climate Change. It has also continued to provide emergency support to media in crisis including in Afghanistan, Myanmar, Palestine, and Sudan.
About the MDP
The Multi-Donor Programme on Freedom of Expression and Safety of Journalists (MDP) serves to further strengthen UNESCO’s work by channeling funds towards emerging priorities and the most pressing needs to achieve its mandate on freedom of expression, media development, and media and information literacy. Visit the website for more information.
Join our community of donors, contact MDP@unesco.org
