Strengthening effective information exchange

Exchanging information to spread knowledge and understanding.

The global volume of information is expanding rapidly. Acquiring or disseminating this information can benefit human activities. Technological innovation is constantly improving information gathering and dissemination.

This strategy features in the framework of Agenda 21 as formulated at UNCED (Rio de Janeiro, 1992), now coordinated by the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development and implemented through national and local authorities.

Agenda 21 recommends that countries, in cooperation with national institutions and groups, the media and the international community, should promote awareness in specialized circles and in the public at large, of the importance of considering environment and development in an integrated manner; and should establish mechanisms for facilitating a direct exchange of information and views with the public. Priority should be given to highlighting the responsibilities and potential contributions of different social groups.

It further recommends that governments at the appropriate level and institutions should: (a) facilitate regular national, regional and interregional communication on and exchange of information and experience between extension officers and researchers; and (b) cooperate in the provision of expertise and other support and in the promotion of international research efforts, in particular with a view to enhancing transfer of technology and specialized training and ensuring access to experience and research results. For example, there is a need to strengthen coordination and improve the performance of existing forest-related international organizations in providing technical cooperation and support to interested countries for the management, conservation and sustainable development of forests.

In the case of UNESCO the aim is to improve different forms of exchange for promoting international understanding and mutual knowledge, including exchange programmes among developing countries, the dissemination of documents from these countries in the industrialized world as well as cooperation with networks of media professionals. It is also concerned with sub-regional and regional cooperation.