Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information and Media, Thabo Kawana, says Government remains open to partnerships that contribute to strengthening the media sector and advancing responsible public communication. Mr Kawana noted that the Government recognises the…

 Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information and Media, Thabo Kawana, says Government remains open to partnerships that contribute to strengthening the media sector and advancing responsible public communication.

Mr Kawana noted that the Government recognises the important role that the media plays in shaping public opinion, influencing attitudes and fostering national cohesion.

He was speaking when the Universal Peace Federation (UPF) and the International Media Association for Peace (IMAP) Zambia Chapter paid a courtesy call on him at his office in Lusaka today.

Mr Kawana said the Government appreciates the decision by UPF and IMAP to pay a courtesy call on the Ministry and their interest in exploring areas of collaboration, particularly in promoting peace through the media.

“Beyond informing, entertaining and educating the public, the media has a responsibility to promote responsible discourse, mutual understanding and peaceful coexistence,” Mr Kawana said.

The Permanent Secretary said the Government therefore appreciates the vision of harnessing the power of the media to promote peace, ethical journalism and conflict-sensitive reporting.

He said the Government recognises that peace and national development are closely interconnected.

Mr Kawana added that initiatives that encourage responsible journalism, counter misinformation and promote constructive dialogue are important to collective efforts towards building a peaceful and cohesive society.

The Permanent Secretary noted that President Hakainde Hichilema has consistently spoken about the importance of Zambia remaining a peaceful nation, where citizens coexist in unity, tolerance and mutual respect despite their differences.

He said this is an important message that must also be reflected in the media landscape.

Mr Kawana said the media has a significant responsibility to promote messages that unite rather than divide, encourage constructive dialogue and contribute to maintaining peace and stability in the country.

He noted the proposed areas of collaboration, including peace-focused programmes, media dialogues, public awareness campaigns and capacity-building initiatives for media practitioners.

Mr Kawana said these are areas worth exploring, particularly through engagement with relevant media institutions and stakeholders.

The Permanent Secretary however said, any collaboration will need to be discussed further with the relevant institutions to establish practical areas of cooperation

Meanwhile, UPF and IMAP Zambia Chapter president, Peter Chikwampu said they decided to collaborate with the Ministry of Information and Media as it is key in the promotion of peace in society.

He said his organisation’s mandate is to promote peace and constructive opinions in society.

“We have realised that peace cannot be achieved without having constructive journalism hence the decision to work with the ministry responsible for the media,” Mr Chikwampu said.