Access to quality information on matters of public interest is indispensable for members of society to meaningfully engage in the public sphere, as it allows people to make evidence-based choices and engage in constructive dialogue with each other. Access to information is also important to create the conditions that allow people to trust public institutions.

UNDP enables access to quality information through a range of interventions. 

A key focus is promoting the adoption of effective and ethical communication practices on the part of public institutions, including appropriate transparency standards. This work addresses both the content and the management aspects of information processes.

Media development is another area of focus. Key priorities in this area are fostering a regulatory environment that is conducive to free media, ensuring the safety of journalists and  strengthening the capacity as well as the inclusiveness of media actors.

A complementary set of efforts is focused on responding to information pollution, which includes misinformation, disinformation and other information risks. These efforts range from monitoring information flows online to strengthening public resilience, just to mention a few.

UNDP also works to address the fragmentation of information ecosystems caused by the deepening of information eco chambers. Activities in this field include engagement with media actors and other content creators, but also the facilitation of dialogue for policy reform.

• Want to learn more about how UNDP engages with the media for governance, sustainable development and peace? Check these case studies.
• Want to know how UNDP responds to information pollution? Read UNDP’s Information Integrity Strategy. 
• Information integrity is a focus area of UNDP’s Global Policy Centre for Governance. Learn more about the Centre’s work here.