UNESCO’s Constitution states that: “The education of humanity for justice and liberty and peace are indispensable to the dignity of man and constitutes a sacred duty which all the nations must fulfil.” Article I of the Constitution assigns UNESCO the task of recommending “international agreements as may be necessary to promote the free flow of ideas by word and image.” Due to the important role of UNESCO in the field of com­munication and information, the Phnom Penh Office works towards the goal of extending the public domain of information.

Freedom of information is the cornerstone on which democratic societies are built. In­dependent, free and pluralistic media have a crucial role to play in the good governance of democratic societies by ensuring transparency and accountability, promoting partici­pation and the rule of law, and contributing to the fight against poverty.

UNESCO Office in Phnom Penh focuses its attention not only on the promotion of hu­man rights and the development of media, but also in providing and strengthening communication and information facilities at the local community level. In addition to the regular programme, the Communication and Information (CI) Unit implements vari­ous projects in collaboration with other UN agencies, with international and national non-governmental organizations (NGO), public institutions and the local authorities.