Ethiopia will host the global conference on the 2019 World Press Freedom Day from May 1-3, 2019 here in Addis Ababa. Theme of this year’s global conference is: Media for Democracy: Journalism and Elections in Times of Disinformation.
The conference is jointly organized by UNESCO, The Federal Democratic Republic Government of Ethiopia and the African Union. Its conclusion would be marked on May 3, 2019, when UNESCO will internationally celebrate the 26th edition of World Press Freedom Day. That is almost in 100 countries of the world according to the press release of the organizer.
One important thing about this year world conference, as has been declared by the UNESCO, is the fact that it is closely interlinked with the objectives of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals as well as with the Agenda 2063 of the African Union.
It is to be recalled that the Agenda 2063 of the African Union aims at promoting “an Africa of good governance, democracy, respect for human rights, justice and the rule of law.” The AU’s goal has identified that democratic values, practices, universal principles of human rights, justice and the rule of law are entrenched as one of its priority areas to be realized by 2023. This was planned to achieve through ensuring that at least 70% of the people perceive the media and exchange of information is free and the freedom of expression prevails.
In view of such a noble cause, the organizers must be hailed. The world conference and its theme are very important and timely for our country, for Africans and the rest of the world. One of the sub-themes is concerned with the current challenges faced by media in elections and the media’s inherited potential (if properly utilized) for supporting peace and reconciliation as well as democracy and development is immense.
The most important question that readers must ask and get answer is related to as to why Ethiopia was selected to host such a big and important conference at international level. The answer might appear very simple. It is due to international recognition to what the government has accomplished so far in reforming the political situations of the country- from one of the worst dictatorship to worldly recognized freedom.
As a UNESCO official told a press conference about the event last Thursday, “the global conference is unique and remarkable for Ethiopia as the country is in a new spirit of peace building, social cohesion, and sustainable development with no journalist or prison of conscience in jail.”
A big recognition indeed! A recognition that was not easily earned. Thanks to the overall reform process we embarked on.
We need to continue our efforts to bring about a nation, unified, free, democratic and prosperous. We should continue to work to have a nation where in all democratic rights and human rights are respected fully, where in equality and equitable shares are guaranteed.
In view of the massive efforts underway, the media should strive to make the reform sustainable. And They can continue to contribute for the reform by working more and more professionally and ethically.
The mainstream media at this moment should serve as a vanguard against the negative consequences of the digital media. They must serve the society as an outlet of expressing diversified ideas, promote pluralism in their narratives and be source of reliable source information. They must be pretty sure that polarization and incitement of violence are not only detrimental but also unprofessional and unethical that would likely to incur legal liability.
So, let us, media enjoy our press freedom and play our unmatched role in promoting peace and democracy, which are the necessary preconditions for ensuring equitable and sustainable development.
The Ethiopian Herald April 14 2019
