As a follow up to the 7th Joint UNESCO/Palestinian Authority Committee at Paris Headquarters on 1 and 2 September 2005, a list of projects were identified, and are now being launched for assistance to the post disengagement process in Gaza for activities in the field of communication and information.
On a long-term basis for Palestine, the meeting confirmed the ongoing flagship project, the Media Resource Centre Network for the non-state media which is now well on its way but will be intensified over the coming months.
Priority was given to three new projects: the development of a new National Documentation Centre within the framework of the State Information Services (electronic library and archives); Strengthening the Palestinian educational television; and the development of a new Palestinian legislation for media, information and telecommunication.
On a short term basis and specifically for Gaza, it was agreed by all that a series of workshops for media professionals on conflict-sensitive reporting linked to the production of a number of radio and television programmes on the follow-up to the disengagement would be held over the coming months.
UNESCO has already supported a media workshop in Gaza in the lead up to the disengagement process and will follow through the above workshop with a seminar targeting women journalists. Translation into Hebrew of the information and press service from the International Press Centre, based in Gaza and installation in public libraries of a number of internet access points are also activities to be undertaken by UNESCO.
The Joint Committee, held at Paris HQ on a yearly basis, helps identify and coordinate the Organizations assistance to the Palestinian Authority and provides the occasion for open, frank and practical discussions on the leading role which UNESCO can play within the international community.
Source:UNESCO
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