Meeting at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris on 18 June 2026, the IPDC Bureau approved a new portfolio of grassroots initiatives supporting journalists, educators and media organizations responding to challenges ranging from journalist safety and media viability to artificial intelligence and information integrity.
The Bureau also identified a further 30 high-quality initiatives that could receive support as additional resources become available. The approved projects and initiatives account for over US$1 million in confirmed funding, while those on the reserve list could receive a further US$1.1 million. Together, they amount to more than US$2.1 million in potential support.
Opening the meeting, UNESCO’s Assistant Director-General for Communication and Information, Mariya Gabriel, underscored the growing importance of investing in independent journalism at a time of increasing geopolitical tensions, armed conflicts, democratic backsliding, mis- and disinformation.
Strengthening independent journalism requires more than responding to immediate needs. It requires sustained investment in the institutions, partnerships and professional capacities that allow independent media to continue serving the public over time.
The newly approved initiatives reflect IPDC’s commitment to strengthening independent media through targeted support to organizations working on the ground. Across regions, the projects will contribute to more resilient media ecosystems, with nearly half to be implemented in Least Developed Countries (LDCs).
Aligned with UNESCO’s global priorities on gender equality and Africa, the portfolio includes 33% of initiatives to be implemented in Africa, while more than 60% integrate gender-transformative activities to promote greater equality within media systems.
Takehiro Kano, Chair of the IPDC Bureau and Ambassador of Japan to UNESCO, emphasized the importance of international cooperation in supporting resilient information ecosystems.
Independent, pluralistic and trusted information ecosystems remain essential foundations for peaceful, inclusive and resilient societies.
Takehiro Kano
A key outcome of the meeting was the review of an independent external evaluation, which reaffirmed IPDC’s continued relevance and unique role in supporting media development worldwide. The evaluation highlighted the Programme’s ability to connect UNESCO’s global normative work with practical support for grassroots initiatives. The Bureau welcomed the findings and endorsed measures to further strengthen the Programme’s impact, focus and sustainability.
The Bureau also approved targeted initiatives to advance media viability, journalism education and training, and support journalists forced into exile, through IPDC’s Safe Spaces initiative.
In addition, the Bureau agreed on a proposed agenda for the 35th session of the IPDC Intergovernmental Council, the Programme’s principal governing body composed of 38 UNESCO Member States, which will meet at UNESCO Headquarters in November 2026.
At a time when reliable information is increasingly vital to democratic governance, human rights and sustainable development, the meeting reaffirmed the continued importance of IPDC as UNESCO’s intergovernmental mechanism for supporting free, independent and pluralistic media worldwide.
READ MORE: https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/unescos-ipdc-reinforces-support-independent-media?hub=701
