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Ghana's bid to host the 2024 African Media Convention sails through
In solidarity with the national journalists association, the Deputy Ambassador and staff from the Ghana High Commission in Zambia, participated in the country’s announcement of its readiness to host the 3rd African Media Convention in 2024, after a three day African Media Convention held in Lusaka Zambia, from 11-13 May 2023.
During the three-day discussions, media stakeholders expressed deep concern on continued violations against freedom of the press, access to information and the safety of journalists, despite thirty (30) years since the UN General Assembly proclaimed May 3rd as World Press Freedom Day and 75 years since the declaration of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Recalling the important role of media, the Zambian Minister of Information and Media and Chief Government Spokesperson Hon. Chushi Kasand called on the African media to provide accurate and factual information underlining “this is what will empower you to participate in the affairs of your countries and the continent at large”
To address these challenges, participants recommended enhanced collaboration between the African media, African Union Member States, UNESCO, internet intermediaries and other media development partners, to mitigate the effects of violation against journalists and media workers as well as the viability of the media sector in Africa.
The role of the media within the communication and ICT sector and the growing support from media partners for Agenda 2063 has already been acknowledged by the AU-Specialised Technical Committee on Communication and Information Communications Technology. There is a call to further build the capacity of the African media practitioners and the industry at large, in partnership with media development partners and Tech companies.
In her closing remarks, Dr. Rita Bissonauth, Director of UNESCO Liaison to AU and UNECA applauded the Government of Zambia and the organisers for successfully hosting the 2nd African Media Convention.
The 2nd African Media convention was largely funded by UNESCO through its Multidonor Programme for freedom of expression and the safety of journalists and its regular programme.
UNESCO greatly appreciates the additional support provided by the African Union Commission by sponsoring the attendance of eight journalists, in addition to hosting the convention’s website. We are also grateful to WAN-IFRA-Women in Media, the European Union and the Government of Zambia for the financial contribution and participation.