Workshop for Media Organizations to Support Media Independence and Pluralism
UNESCO, in collaboration with the Press Council of Cambodia, conducted a five-day workshop on Fundraising and Proposal and Report Writing from 20-24 December 2010. UNESCO Office in Phnom Penh has worked with the Press Council of Cambodia since its inception in order to strengthen the cooperation and solidarity of journalists and media associations in Cambodia. The Press Council is an umbrella organization that represents over one thousand journalists and media organizations. An important part of its work is training and building the capacity of journalists across Cambodia and promoting freedom of expression and access to information.
The five-day workshop was designed to assist media organizations in acquiring practical knowledge and principles of programme planning, project design and proposal development. Such skills are essential in enabling media associations to maintain their neutrality and self-sustainability. It is important that media organizations do not rely on the power of a single donor or governmental institutions, as truly independent media publishes and broadcasts without control or influence. Twenty-five representatives from journalist and media organizations participated in the week-long intensive training. The workshop was opened by Mr. Sok Sovann, Chairman of the Press Council and Ms. Jamie Lee, UNESCO Communication and Information Focal Point. His Excellency Mr. Khoun Vichet, Advisor to the Minister of Information, gave an opening remark to welcome all the representatives from media associations and relevant stakeholders.
UNESCO Communication and Information Sector’s global agenda focuses on the promotion of Freedom of Expression and Press Freedom as basic human rights. It also fosters media independence and pluralism as they are essential foundations of democracy. Independent media functions as a vehicle for the free flow of diverse viewpoints and voices, allowing for Cambodian citizens to participate in transparent decision-making processes, to discuss about current issues, and to vote based on true information.
For more information, please contact Ms. Jamie Hyo-Jin Lee, UNESCO Communication and Information Focal Point, at hj.lee(at)unesco.org