African Union of Broadcasting, AUB and UNESCO Media Development Workshop Opens in Mauritius

The government of Mauritius says it stands in solidarity with all African countries in combating the climate crisis because climate change knows no borders, and no one is immune to its devastation.

Speaking at the opening session of the African Union of Broadcasting, AUB and UNESCO Media Development Workshop in Mauritius, the Mauritian Minister of Environment, Solid Waste Management and Climate Change, H.E. Mr. Rajesh Anand Bhagwan remarked that any effort at building the capacity of journalists to effectively report climate change and disaster risks.

He said journalists give voice to the realities of Small Island Development States in Africa and have the power to turn awareness into action as frontline witnesses of both the devastation and determination that define the climate struggles all over the world.

“In tough times, they raise public awareness on threats, shed light on risks, give our people the information they need to prepare, to adapt, to thrive, while holding the powerful to account. When disaster strike, they are instrumental to early warning dissemination and fostering public engagement in response and recovery processes”, he noted.

Mr. Bhagwan further indicated that for African SIDS, climate change is not a distant theory but a rising tide; each cyclone, each drought, each drop in rainfall, each landslide reminding the people that the cost of inaction is unbearable hence, the resolve to develop the capacity of journalists as they continue to perform the task of saving lives in the face of disasters.

Reflecting on the importance of the programme, the UN Resident Coordinator for Mauritius and Seychelles, Lisa Simrique Singh observed that African SIDS are on the frontline of the climate crisis- facing rising seas, stronger cyclones, and prolonged droughts that threaten lives, livelihoods and ecosystems. In such a context, timely access to information in times of crisis can save lives, protect infrastructure, strengthen resilience, facilitate rescue operations, shorten emergency response times, and support effective recovery and rebuilding efforts.

In this context, she notes, “UNESCO and UNDRR continue to play a leading role in advancing global best practices in media development and disaster risk communication. Both agencies have been in the forefront of promoting media freedom, ethical standards, and disaster risk communication as integral components of resilience building.”

UNESCO’s long- standing with the African Union of Broadcasting in media development, training and freedom of expression, she said, provides a strong foundation for professional excellence and social responsibility in journalism while the UNDRR offers global frameworks, technical expertise, and best practices on risk-informed communication and early warning systems that empower media institutions to act swiftly and credibly in times of crisis.

Director General of the African Union of Broadcasting, Mr. Gregoire Ndjaka commended the determination of participants drawn from four Small Island Developing States (SIDS) namely Comoros, Cape Verde, Mauritius and Sao Tome and Principe for patiently undertaking all the components of the programme which include online training sessions, co-production, development of draft institutional Disaster Preparedness and Response Plan and the in-person workshop in Mauritius.

He emphasized that as broadcasters, “we hold the power to shape narratives and drive action. Through accurate, compassionate, and solutions-oriented reporting, we can empower communities to prepare, adapt, and thrive in the face of climate and environmental challenges. This is the essence of the partnership between AUB UNESCO, and of course UNDRR.”

He appreciated UNESCO and UNDRR for the continued partnership, and the Mauritius Broadcasting Corporation for the collaboration as AUB works towards building a continental model for climate and disaster communication that not only informs but also inspires action and hope.

Other speakers including the UNESCO Regional Adviser for Communication and Information in Africa, Ms. Misako Ito and the Chairperson of the Mauritius Broadcasting Corporation, Mr. Amaresh Ramlugun also reflected on how the media can act not merely as an observer of the climate crisis, but as an agent of awareness, preparedness and resilience.

This workshop is the final phase of the AUB-UNESCO Media Development Programme which commenced with an online training session, a cross-border co-production carried out by the participating countries and the development of a draft institutional Disaster Preparedness and Response Plan.