In the case of UNESCO activities focus on drawing up methods and techniques of communication planning, testing their field application in different environments, and supporting such ventures at national and regional levels. Emphasis is given to the socio-cultural dimension of development. Specific design strategies for development-oriented programmes and campaigns (such as literacy and lifelong education) are considered. Others are devised to reinforce ongoing operational projects, including those concerned with education, environment and cultural development.
In 1998, the Intergovernmental Council of UNESCO's International Programme for the Development of Communication (IPDC) ended its 18th Session allocating US$2,271,000 to 53 media projects world-wide. The funds are devoted to a wide variety of initiatives aimed to help reduce the gap between industrialised and developing countries in the field of communication and information.