LocationsBecome a Storyteller for Change: UNDP Launches Media Fellowship on Sustainable Development
August 9, 2024
26 July 2024, Bangkok, Thailand – In response to the pressing challenges of sustainable development in Thailand, including environmental degradation, social inequality, and economic disparities, UNDP Thailand is proud to announce the launch of the UNDP Media Fellowship on Sustainable Development, in collaboration with the Faculty of Communications Arts at Chulalongkorn University, with funding support from various partners, including including the Embassy of Australia, the Embassy of Ireland, the Embassy of Qatar, the European Union, the Government of Germany, the Government of Japan, and the Green Climate Fund. This initiative aims to empower journalists to play a pivotal role in promoting a sustainable and inclusive society.
Journalism is a crucial force in driving societal change, fulfilling roles as an information disseminator, public educator, watchdog, advocate, and agenda setter. The 2023-24 UNDP Human Development Report highlights the critical need for reimagined cooperation among stakeholders in a polarized world where misinformation and fake news are dividing societies. Journalism, therefore, stands as one of the key stakeholders in sustaining a diverse and democratic society.
From 2022 to 2026, UNDP has prioritized three key areas to support Thailand including supporting Thailand's inclusive, gender-responsive green transition, strengthening human capital for sustainable development, and leaving no one behind for equitable development. Our experience across these development areas underscores the critical role of journalism in addressing key societal challenges, linking interconnected development issues, and driving systemic change.
The 2024 UNDP Media Fellowship focuses on four thematic areas crucial to sustainable development: disability inclusion, gender equality, nature conservation and climate action, and human rights promotion. These themes are informed by UNDP’s SDG Localization initiative in 15 pilot provinces, which revealed limited awareness of climate change, particularly at the local level, and common challenges related to inequalities across provinces. This data and evidence will serve as valuable resources for journalists in their reporting efforts.
In alignment with the SDG provincial monitoring and a pre-fellowship survey conducted with journalists, the fellowship will address the top three issues journalists wish to deepen their understanding of: nature and climate change, gender inequality, and biases against people with disabilities.
The need to strengthen journalism as a vital institution in combating discrimination and protecting the public interest is well-documented by UNDP studies. A national survey on the experiences of discrimination against LGBTI people in Thailand revealed that 47.5% of LGBTI individuals have faced at least one form of discrimination, including within their families. Additionally, the UNDP's SLAPPs report highlights the risks faced by citizens defending the public interest, with 37% of incidents resulting in violence.
The UNDP Media Fellowship offers a unique platform for journalists to deepen their understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals, explore interconnected and cross-cutting development areas, and engage with practitioners, stakeholders, and experts. Through investigative reporting, storytelling, and advocacy, journalists are empowered to amplify the voices of vulnerable populations, challenge city-focused narratives in Thailand’s media landscape, and drive meaningful change in sustainable development and social inclusion.
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