UN calls on media to highlight national successes and resilience

THE United Nations has praised Zimbabwe for its innovative strides in information and communication technology (ICT). The UN highlighted the country’s socio-economic advancements and urged the media to showcase its successes and resilience in the face of challenges.

Despite facing economic hardships, largely attributed to illegal sanctions and other factors, Zimbabwe has made notable progress in the ICT sector. However, the UN expressed concern that the country’s achievements have not been adequately documented and disseminated to the global community.

Delivering a keynote address during the 2023/24 National Journalism and Media Awards in Harare on Thursday, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) resident representative Dr Ayodele Odusola, standing in for UN Resident Co-ordinator for Zimbabwe, Edward Kallon, stated that the country’s media has a duty to build a positive image for Zimbabwe. He expressed concern that much of the media in the country focuses on political sensationalism, ignoring ground-breaking innovations and the resilience of the Zimbabwean people.

“Amid Zimbabwe’s economic and social challenges, there are stories about resilience and innovation that need to be told. I’ve witnessed many young minds in ICT developing ground-breaking technologies and women-owned enterprises, yet most of these narratives are untold, with the focus being on political sensationalism. It is crucial for the media to focus on hope and achievements,” said Dr Odusola.

He emphasised that the media should present a holistic view of Zimbabwe’s development story and avoid prejudicing the country through sensational reporting. Dr Odusola warned that it would be costly for the country to rebuild its reputation after it has been tarnished.

“I have heard the Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Dr Jenfan Muswere, say we have to ensure that the information we disseminate about our country is factual and accurate. I think he is very right. In my local language, there is a saying that goes, ‘if you sell your family heritage, you will buy it back very expensively.’ This means that when we spread negative messages about our countries that are not based on facts and evidence, it will be more costly to repair the reputation,” said Dr Odusola.

He also highlighted the importance of giving women and the youth a platform to share their views on the future of the country. “I encourage you, as key members of the media, to enhance the focus on Zimbabwe’s development story by highlighting the community and empowering all citizens, especially women and the youth, as they share the future of their nation. The United Nations is committed to supporting you in these efforts, providing capacity building, content, and access to data,” he said.

Dr Odusola noted that the UN system in Zimbabwe is ready to collaborate with the media to improve objective reporting through the capacity building of journalists and the provision of data to enhance storytelling. Some journalists have already undergone training in various development projects through funding from UN agencies.

“The United Nations has long been a platform for addressing complex global challenges, ranging from poverty eradication to climate action, accelerating quality education, promoting human rights, and fostering sustainable peace.

“In Zimbabwe, as well as elsewhere, the media is a critical partner in advancing these efforts, holding institutions accountable, and informing the public. The media’s role in promoting sustainable development goals is vital. In fact, without the media, the ideals and principles of sustainable development goals may be difficult to achieve,” he said.

Speaking at the same event, Dr Muswere said the media should promote the national interest rather than advancing a neo-imperialism agenda. He mentioned that the Government is in the process of reviewing the legislative environment.

“The business of brown envelopes must come to an end, the business of aiding cultural imperialism must come to an end, the business of scandalising nations unethically without seeking facts should come to an end if journalism is to survive,” said Dr Muswere.

He added that the Second Republic has been positive and has recorded milestones in improving livelihoods for citizens, and the media should amplify those success stories.–@nqotshili