The Unesco Mass Media Declaration, which seeks to establish fundamental principles concerning the contribution of the mass media to strengthening peace and international understanding, is presented in the paper. Part one provides a brief history of the Mass Media Declaration, with annexed information on resolutions, meetings, and amendments concerning the draft declaration between 1970 and 1978. Part two contains the 63 speeches from member delegations who responded to passage of the mass media declaration at the 1978 session of the General Conference of Unesco, held in Paris. These speeches examine the importance of the Declaration; the significance of the consensus, particularly in view of the differences of opinion that existed before; and the obstacles likely to be faced in implementing the Declaration. Part three discusses the international function of the Declaration in the light of related principles enunciated by the United Nations and Unesco. An appendix contains texts and international instruments related to the guiding principles referred to in the title of the Declaration, namely the strengthening of peace and international understanding and combating war propaganda, racism, and apartheid. (RL)