article imageUN: Healthy Media Crucial for Building Lasting Peace in Post-conflict States

By Bob Ewing.
Subscribe to author
Published Dec 13, 2008 by  Bob Ewing - 8 votes, 2 comments
Share on Facebook  
Listen - Email - Print
Recipient email:
You can enter up to 10 comma-separated email addresses.
Your email:
optional
Message:
optional

A strong press and robust broadcasting institutions are critical for achieving a sustainable peace and credible governance in post-conflict countries.
Senior United Nations officials told delegates, attending a conference on peacebuilding today, a strong press and robust broadcasting institutions are critical for achieving a sustainable peace and credible governance in post-conflict countries.
The role of media and communications must be recognized as an essential part of peacebuilding efforts was the focus of a one-day conference organized by the UN Department of Public Information (DPI), in collaboration with the Peacebuilding Support Office (PBSO), at UN Headquarters in New York.
Media and communications operations are critical in supporting the UN Peacebuilding Commission in its efforts to provide post-conflict countries with the international support they need to get back on their feet.
The Commission was set up at the end of 2005 and is designed to aid struggling States avoid the slide back into war or chaos and currently has four countries on its agenda – Burundi, Sierra Leone, Guinea-Bissau and Central African Republic (CAR).
The conference brought together ministers from two of the States assisted by the Commission, Burundi and Sierra Leone, with media from the countries undergoing peacebuilding efforts, representatives of the UN system, and other international and non-governmental organizations (NGOs).
Ambassador Yukio Takasu, Chairperson of the Peacebuilding Commission, told the meeting that the Commission needed the media as a partner at the local, national and international level to generate attention and mobilize support towards countries emerging from conflict.
The media is vital for promoting credible and transparent governance, saying that “a media environment conducive to independent and accessible media can build public will and hold governments accountable to their citizens.”
Delegates focused discussions on how the media has promoted and strengthened governance and democracy in countries coming out of conflict, reviewing past efforts as well as examining current initiatives and exploring possibilities for future action.
Under-Secretary-General for Communications and Public Information, Kiyo Akasaka, underscored the success UN radio broadcasters have had in reaching audiences in post-conflict nations.
“UNTAC radio, for example, in Cambodia in 1992, helped to change that country’s political mood and mobilized an enormous voter turnout with its constant refrain ‘your vote is secret,’” said Mr. Akasaka.
Assistant-Secretary-General for Peacebuilding Support Jane Holl Lute echoed the sentiment by stressing the media’s outreach role in informing, motivating and mobilizing populations emerging from conflict.
article:263462:8::0

Virtual goods now a $5-billion global industry

With minutes to go before the end of the day, you visit Facebook and send out a quick birthday cake to a friend. It's $1 for the virtual icon that is simply displayed on their page. Sound silly? Well, these types of transactions are now worth billions.
Published 20 hours ago by  KJ Mullins in Internet | 1 comment

What Facebook, Twitter, PayPal can teach us about going viral Special

Going viral isn't a finger-snap way to achieve mass popularity. In fact, as author Adam L. Penenberg explains to Digitaljournal.com, some of the top tech companies found viral success by creating a product that had to be shared to be useful.
Published yesterday by  David Silverberg in Internet | 1 comment

TopFinds: Investigating Dental Health in U.S., Rihanna Speaks Out

The dental health insurance controversy in the U.S. The shocking mass killing at Fort Hood, Texas. Rihanna breaks her silence about domestic abuse. These are the top stories making headlines around the world.
Published Nov 6, 2009 by  David Silverberg in Internet

Alleged Orlando Shooter Apprehended

According to Orlando police, Orlando shooting suspect Jason Rodriguez has been captured without incident. Rodriguez was captured at his mother's house around 2:20 this afternoon.
Published Nov 6, 2009 by  Joe Gullo in Crime | 1 comment

Figure skater Elvis Stojko marks beginning of music career

Elvis Stojko, a two-time Olympic silver medalist, released the first single from his new album "100 Lifetimes" yesterday. It marks the beginning of the skating champion's music career.
Published Nov 6, 2009 by  Kevin Jess in Entertainment
apis-129186 apis-129159 apis-129155 apis-129156 apis-129148
Email:
Password:
Remember meForgot password?