All Protocols Observed.

Let me express appreciation on behalf of UNDP Liberia Resident Representative Stephen Rodriques who is unable to attend due to pressing engagements.

Allow me to to underscore that the “Edward Wilmot Blyden Forum provides a unique opportunity to foster, promote, and strengthen the independence of the media through partnership, networking and sustainable frameworks that drive a national agenda for the peace and stability of Liberia.

The theme for this edition ‘Strengthening Independent Media, and Freedom of Information in Liberia aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) which recognizes the key role of the media in promoting peace and sustaining a peaceful society. UNDP is therefore committed to working with the media in Liberia to support the country’s sustainable development. “There can be no sustainable development without peace and no peace without sustainable development”.

Over the years, UNDP has supported the media through many of its programme interventions, including capacity-building and trainings on elections, Energy and Environment, Rule of Law, Human Rights, and Communications for Development to communicate development results. Such initiatives have contributed immensely in strengthening relationships, networks and sustainable frameworks that deepen democracy and human rights in Liberia.

Not just here in Liberia, but also globally, UNDP works with journalists and media organizations to improve their investigative and reporting skills and to help them delineate their roles and responsibilities.

UNDP remains a strong partner in promoting peace-building initiatives and accountability as seen in our work in governance, Inclusive growth, and climate change, while working closely with the government and civil society and is committed to strengthening its partnership with the media to achieve development results and add value to sustainable development.

Despite the enormous challenges the media face including-self-censorship, harassment, intimidation as well as threats on their lives, it continues to make tremendous contributions to an open society in fostering peace, sustainable development, stability, accountable leadership as well as economic empowerment that are recognized.

UNDP welcomes and encourages the PUL to use the new project to encourage citizens’ demand for information and bolster CSO, media, and local government collaborations, which are necessary ingredients for strengthening independent media and freedom of information in Liberia.

Public information is increasingly recognized as contributing to individuals’ awareness, knowledge, and ultimately perceptions and attitudes about happenings around them, including efforts at building peace and resolving conflicts and with the role of the media, the population is gradually experiencing the growth and respect for free speech and fundamental rights.

UNDP urges the media to play its role as the “Watchdog of the Society” by promoting good governance, accountability and responsible leaderships. In so doing, UNDP wants to remind the media that it equally has an obligation to ensuring that the information you share with the public is clear, accurate and balanced. “An Independent media is essential to combatting misinformation and disinformation,”

Let me conclude by applauding the media for the critical role it continues to play in sustaining peace and promoting development. Without the media, the world would be ignorant. We cannot emphasize enough that you are the glue that holds democracy, peace and social cohesion together.

Thank You!

Delivered By: Mulugeta Abebe-DRR/Operations