A call for action to include media in the global development agenda was released in a 'Bali Road Map' at the end of a Global Media Forum on August 28 in Indonesia.

The Director-General of UNESCO Irna Bokova said media development is important for crafting a new, truly human centered approach to development.

She said member states at the 2013 UNESCO General Conference underlined the need for freedom of expression and universal access to knowledge and its preservation to be reflected in the post 2015 development agenda.

“Freedom of expression is essential to dignity, democracy, sustainable development, dialogue peace and tolerance. Information and knowledge hold the key to crafting the future we want for all. The UNESCO Constitution calls for free flow of ideas by words and image as we shape a new agenda to follow 2015 and this mandate has never been so important for international peace and for the common welfare of all humanity."

Professor Wiendu Nuryanti the Vice-Minister of Education and Culture of Indonesia Cultural Affairs spoke of the power of digital to break down barriers and empower youths who are creating a new global future. “We can learn and share about others cultures in ways undreamed of a decade ago,” she said.

“Media can also promote peaceful coexistence as the cement of economic development and prosperity and holds the potential to bridge between cultures and societies,” said Ambassador Tariq Al-Ansari the Chief of Cabinet of the UN Alliance of Civilizations.

The road map proposed a wide range of actions for three groups: media professionals, governments/UNESCO and the wider international community. All proposed actions are aimed at media development or harnessing media for development ends.