Media challenged to speed up sustainable development

Rumbidzayi Zinyuke in MASVINGO

The media is expected to play a pivotal role in accelerating Zimbabwe’s journey towards sustainable development, with Government and development partners committing to leverage media to educate the public and mobilise support for sustainable initiatives.

The UN is presently conducting a week-long workshop to capacitate journalists on the strategies for effective communication on critical development issues.

The programme targets to strengthen the media’s role in promoting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and create links with Africa’s Agenda 2063 and the national development goals enshrined in the National Development Strategy 1.

The engagement is also expected to stimulate the public discourse on critical development issues and inform the creation of a joint UN-Media Action Plan that incorporates key messages from the UN Cooperation Framework, Zimbabwe’s National Development Strategy 1 and the SDGs.

Addressing delegates at the workshop on Wednesday, Masvingo Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Ezra Chadzamira highlighted the importance of the partnership between Government, development partners and the media in amplifying the development agenda.

“The media is crucial in promoting sustainable development values by shaping public opinion, raising awareness and influencing individual and collective behaviours,” said Minister Chadzamira.

“The media serves as a primary source of information for the public. It provides news, analyses and commentaries on various topics shaping public opinion, knowledge and understanding.

“Therefore, the media has a responsibility for reporting accurately and objectively to ensure the public is well informed. The media, therefore, sets the agenda and influences what the public considers significant.”

Minister Chadzamira applauded the work being done by the UN towards areas such as food and nutrition security in quest for the achievement of SDG 2, which speaks to zero hunger.

Other priority areas being addressed include social services and protection, poverty reduction and value addition, gender equality, eliminating HIV and AIDS as well as public administration and governance.

“I applaud you for helping us cope with climate change and building resilience. The climate shocks that include the El-Nino-induced drought could have dealt us worse without your assistance.

“The Second Republic under the able stewardship of His Excellency, Cde Dr ED Mnangagwa will give you moral and material support in this media initiative to make sure that our citizens are well and factually informed,” added Minister Chadzamira.

The SDGs are a set of 17 goals that aim to address the global challenges being faced by communities, including those related to poverty, inequality, climate change, environmental degradation, peace and justice.

Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Permanent Secretary Mr Nick Mangwana, who was represented by director media services Mr George Chisoko, said the role of media in pushing the development agenda could not be overemphasised.

“It is the duty of the media to raise awareness on National Development Strategy 1 by informing our people on what it is and to rally the populace behind it.

“Plans found in NDS1 are the strategies for taking charge and it is the duty of the media to dissect these strategies and carry the people on board as Zimbabwe’s survival through these strategies is hinged on united and committed force that supports these strategies without an element of sabotage and malice,” he said.

Mr Mangwana encouraged the media to showcase best practices and innovative solutions that spurred national development.

He encouraged the media to continue its watchdog role of monitoring Government progress towards achievement of SDGs.

“The media has a critical duty of providing platforms for under-represented groups to be heard. We must remember that development is only development if it is inclusive.

“Therefore, it is prudent that the media should highlight the challenges of our marginalised communities and concerns if the Government is to address them. This is in fulfilment of President ED Mnangagwa’s call to leave no one and no place behind. In the same vein, I urge the media to promote inclusive and equitable development,” he said.

UN resident and humanitarian coordinator Mr Edward Kallon emphasised the UN’s support towards a robust media landscape that ensured accurate, timely and objective reporting on development, recovery, and humanitarian issues.

“The United Nations recognised the media as a pivotal tool in shaping public opinion to promote inclusive and sustainable development, democracy, good governance, and human rights, facilitating nation-building and quality of life advancement.

“Zimbabweans today have access to a wide range of information channels, including print, electronic media like television and radio, including community radios, and web-based media through the internet and mobile telephony.

“Used responsibly, these channels provide substantial opportunities for Zimbabwe’s development,” he said.

Mr Kallon committed to continue supporting Zimbabwe’s national development priorities and the 17 SDGs.

He stressed that achieving the SDGs requires a multi-stakeholder partnership, with the media as a key player.