AUB-UNESCO Media Development and Training Program on Climate Change and DRR Reporting for African SIDS- Mauritius 2025

Dakar, Senegal- 9 September, 2025

The African Union of Broadcasting (AUB) in partnership with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is set to hold its Media Development and Training Conference for Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in Africa in Mauritius Island.

Scheduled to take place in the serene and beautiful city of Port Louis from the 27 to 29 October, 2025 this conference seeks to advance resilient, responsible and ethical reporting of climate change and disaster risk reduction at a time when disinformation and misinformation are spreading faster than the storms of intensified cyclones, eroding coastlines and other extreme weather events confronting Small Island Developing States in Africa.

Hosted by the Mauritius Broadcasting Organization (MBC), the conference will focus on crucial thematic areas such solutions journalism and investigative reporting of climate change and disaster risk reduction in African SIDS; the role of media regulatory agencies in tackling information disorder; as well as strategies and tools for reporting extreme weather events and impact-based forecasting.

It will also give participating media organizations the opportunity to present, brainstorm and validate their respective institutional Disaster Preparedness and Response Plan and also review co-productions carried out to promote cross border collaborations in reporting climate change and disaster risk reduction in African SIDS.

Participants will also embark on field visits and simulation exercises for hands-on practical application of the skills gathered to tell compelling climate and disaster risk stories to amplify solutions, build resilience and save lives.

The conference will be attended by critical stakeholders including journalists, media executives, seasoned media trainers, media regulatory authorities, national disaster management agencies, representatives of UNESCO, United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), UN Resident Office in Mauritius, civil society organizations and the government Mauritius.