To help address these challenges, the Netherlands has renewed its support for UNESCO’s work to promote freedom of expression and strengthen independent media worldwide.
At a signing ceremony held on 15 July 2026 at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, on behalf of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the Permanent Delegate signed an agreement for a contribution of more than €2.4 million over four years to UNESCO’s Communication and Information Sector.
The funding will support efforts across the media freedom ecosystem – from strengthening independent journalism and media development to protecting journalists at risk, advancing legal reforms and building resilience to disinformation.
Welcoming the renewed partnership, UNESCO’s Assistant Director-General for Communication and Information, Mariya Gabriel, emphasized the critical role of independent journalism in today’s world.
Independent journalism is one of the strongest safeguards of democracy and a prerequisite for economic development, peace and security, yet it is facing unprecedented pressure around the world. The support from the Netherlands will strengthen UNESCO’s work to protect journalists’ ability to report freely, independently and safely, while expanding public access to trustworthy information when it matters most.
Mariya GabrielUNESCO Assistant Director-General for Communication and Information
The contribution includes support to three flagship UNESCO mechanisms: the International Programme for the Development of Communication (IPDC), the Multi-Donor Programme on Freedom of Expression and Safety of Journalists (MDP), and the Global Media Defence Fund (GMDF).
The largest share of the funding – approximately €1.8 million – will support IPDC, the United Nation’s only intergovernmental programme dedicated exclusively to media development. Through locally led initiatives, the Programme helps foster free, independent and pluralistic media, particularly in crisis-affected and least developed countries. Since 2021, more than 275 projects have been supported by IPDC worldwide.
Additional support for MDP will bolster UNESCO’s work to protect journalists, strengthen the rule of law and counter disinformation. Between 2022 and 2025, the Programme assisted hundreds of journalists in crisis situations while building the capacities of judicial actors, parliamentarians and public institutions.
The Netherlands also renewed its support to the Global Media Defence Fund, which provides legal assistance and protection to journalists facing mounting legal threats, and supports organizations working to combat impunity for crimes against media professionals. Since its launch, the Fund has supported more than 170 projects, benefiting over 11,000 journalists and 1,600 lawyers globally.
Freedom of expression, independent and pluralistic media and the safety of journalists remain of great importance to the Kingdom of the Netherlands. We commend UNESCO’s efforts to uphold and protect these values at a time when they are increasingly under pressure.
read more: https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/netherlands-renews-support-media-freedom-and-independent-journalism-worldwide?hub=701
