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18 Nov 2009 09:20:55
A University professor has been selected to represent
the UK on a major United Nations’ body.
Journalism professor Ivor Gaber, has been appointed to the Inter Governmental Council of the United Nation's International Programme for the Development of Communication (IPDC).
The IPDC promotes the development of communications and information in developing countries. It has four main priorities: promotion of a free media, the development of community media such as local radio stations, training journalists, and promoting international media partnerships.
Commenting on his appointment, Professor Gaber, the University’s Research Professor in Media and Politics, said: “It's a real privilege to be given the opportunity of working to help develop and sustain independent journalism in the developing world.
“People often believe that helping the third world is only about tackling the problems of hunger and disease, but helping to ensure that the media remains free can be almost as important. Professor Amartya Sen, the distinguished Indian economist, once famously said that there has never been a mass famine in a working democracy. An unshackled media is not a luxury but a vital plank in creating governments that are democratic, accountable and transparent."
It is the job of the Inter-Governmental Council to judge priorities and award money to the most appropriate causes. Many projects have been approved in developing countries, mainly in Africa, Asia and Latin America.
Professor Gaber was elected to the position at the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) General Conference in Paris last month.
