Given the theme of the 12th edition of World Radio Day, ‘Radio and Peace’, having Sabyr Abdumomunov as guest speaker, with his experience in radio and conflict resolution, brought valuable insight and perspective to the discussion.
Abdumomunov works in radio in the Batken district of Kyrgyzstan, where border conflicts are tragically common. He emphasizes the crucial role that radio can play in promoting peace and preventing conflict, especially when the word is given to those who live it. What often emerges when his microphone is handed is that same desire for peace; according to him, humanizing these speeches makes them unique and gives them resonance with authorities and international organizations:
Although conflict prevails, reporting on the daily lives of ordinary citizens, such as interethnic weddings and holidays, helps to establish a sense of normalcy. The participation of the Association of Community Media of Kyrgyzstan, represented by Aigerim Kubatbekova, is in line with this, as community media play a crucial role in providing a platform for local voices and perspectives.
