SIGNIS, the World Catholic Association for Communication (http://www.signis.net) came into being in November 2001, with the merger of Unda (the International Catholic Association for Radio and Television) and OCIC (International Catholic Organization for Cinema and Audiovisual), both of which were founded in 1928.

As a worldwide association of Catholics communication professionals, SIGNIS (and its Unda/OCIC predecessors) has been committed to using the media as instruments for peace building, development and the promotion of human dignity. SIGNIS also has had a special concern for the rights and interests of children. OCIC, for example, was one of the founders of CIFEJ (International Centre of Films for Children and Young People) and Unda was a pioneer of media education.

SIGNIS was founded in 2001, the opening year of the United Nations International Decade for a Culture of Peace and Non-violence for the Children of the World (2001-2010). Not surprisingly SIGNIS has been a strong supporter of the Decade. "Media for a Culture of Peace" was the theme of its first World Congress in 2005. The Congress concluded with the Declaration of Lyon committing SIGNIS to promote peace through and in the media.


SIGNIS, the World Catholic Association for Communication
310, rue Royale
1210 Brussels
Belgium
Phone: +32 (0)2 734 97 08
Fax: +32 (0)2 734 70 18
http://www.signis.net