Media Has Key Role In Promoting UN Goals

Media Has Key Role In Promoting UN Goals, Annan Tells African Editors

New York, Oct 18 2005

As the United Nations works to adapt to new realities and meet new challenges, the media can play a key role by raising awareness about pressing issues and holding governments accountable, Secretary-General Kofi Annan said in a message to African editors who met in Johannesburg over the weekend.

“As editors, you have a crucial responsibility – in shaping both how Africa is portrayed to the world, and how world events are understood by Africans,” Mr. Annan said in a message that was delivered on his behalf Saturday by the United Nations Resident Coordinator in South Africa, Scholastica Kimaryo.

The Secretary-General detailed the accomplishments of last month’s World Summit held at UN Headquarters in New York, including breakthroughs in the areas of peace and security, human rights and development.

“My colleagues and I will spare no effort in helping Governments succeed in the next stage: translating the decisions into reality,” Mr. Annan pledged.

“In the work that lies ahead, the media has a vital role to play – by raising awareness, providing a forum for advocacy, by holding governments accountable.”

He said success would be marked by improved opportunities “for all human beings – and Africans in particular – to build better lives.”

ENDS

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