LocationsUNDP equips journalists with skills to promote social cohesion
Fostering Peace through media
October 16, 2023
A cross section of the journalists in the social cohesion training hosted by UNDP in Erbil, Iraq. The specialized training was intended to strengthen the capacity of professional journalists in building social cohesion and sustainable peacebuilding in Northern Iraq.
UNDP Iraq 2023
Across the globe, media wields the power to shape community conversations and influence perceptions. With this influence, it emerges as a vital means for the promotion of peace and social cohesion in diverse communities.
Recognizing this, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has taken a crucial step to strengthen capacities and knowledge on social cohesion among journalists in Northern Iraq.
A group of 30 dedicated media professionals from various media houses across five governorates, recently completed specialized training in building social cohesion provided by UNDP. This marks the third instalment of such initiatives by the organization, with the previous two targeting media students and citizen journalists with substantial social media followings.
"The main purpose of these trainings is to engage the media in conversations on peacebuilding. We also provide guidance on how to peacefully navigate issues of hate speech, preventing violent extremism, and building social cohesion through their platforms." Aysar Saleem, the UNDP field coordinator for Kirkurk and Ninewa stated.
Aseel Al Rubaie, one of the senior journalists who attended the training shares the key lessons she has picked.
UNDP Iraq 2023
For Aseel Al-Rubaie, one of the trainees from one of the media houses in Kirkuk, the training was a great refresher. “As a producer for an arts and culture show, social cohesion is a big part of my work – my work showcases the daily life and history of all our people and it is important that they are all well represented,” she said.
In addition, the training has been an opportunity to network and learn from colleagues from different Governorates how they are building social cohesion through their work. “In fact, this has been a cohesion-building exercise for us as media people as well, despite our different backgrounds, we had very fruitful discussions in our groups sharing our different yet enriching perspectives,” she added.
For Asim Omar Muhammad Saeed, the training will help him in reporting on subjects related to terrorism, ISIS, and affected communities. “My reporting will focus on solving problems and restoring ties between the various groups in the communities,” he said.
Both trainees called on UNDP to take the training further afield to include more journalists based within the local communities so that they can also understand the importance of inclusive reporting that builds cohesion in communities.
UNDP’s goal is to continue empowering various media groups through such training so that they can use their distinct role to shape conversations and influence perceptions to promote social cohesion.
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UNDP’s Integrated Social Cohesion Programme supports efforts towards peaceful and more cohesive societies in Iraq. Its work on capacity building for journalists is made possible with the generous contributions of the Government of Denmark.