UNESCO has awarded IPDC prize for Rural Communication 2012 to Community Radio Support Centre (CRSC), a wing of Nepal Forum of Environmental Journalists (NEFEJ).

UNESCO decided to award IPDC prize for rural communication jointly to CRSC/NEFEJ and Arid Lands Information Network (Kenya).

The award ceremony took place on 22 March, 2012 at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris during the 28th session of the IPDC Council. 

Raghu Mainali, Coordinator of CRSC/NEFEJ received the award on behalf of CRSC/NEFEJ from Janis Karklins, UNESCO Assistant Director General for Communication and Information.

The award winning each party has received a sum of US$10,000 and a certificate of diploma.

The World Association of Community Radio Broadcasters (AMARC) had nominated CRSC/NEFEJ for award developing Community Radio Performance Assessment System (CRPAS) in 2009. The CRPAS was jointly prepared by Raghu Mainali, Bikram Subba and Yadab Chapagai. AMARC had also stated award CRSC for its contribution in the promotion of community radio movement in Nepal.

Mr. Raghu Mainali receiving UNSCO-IPDC Prize for Rural Communication 2012, during Intergovernmental Council of UNESCO-IPDC 28th Session in UNESCO Headquaters, Paris, 22 March 2012. Photo Courtesy: Ole Chavannes

CRSC has been working in community radio sectors since its inception in 2000.
Director-General of UNESCO, upon recommendation of Bureau of the International Program for the Development of Communication (IPDC) has decided to award the 2012 IPDC prize for Rural Communication.

IPDC prize for Rural Communication is awarded in every two years consisting of a sum of US@20,000. The Prize was established in 1985 by the Executive Board of UNESCO in pursuance of a decision of the 5th session of the Intergovernmental Council of IPDC.

The UNESCO-IPDC Prize for Rural Communication is intended to recognize a meritorious and innovative activity in improving communication in rural communities, chiefly in the developing countries.