Empowering Media for Sustainable Development: UN Workshop Unveils Insights and Initiatives

A lively gathering unfolded in Riyadh as the United Nations organized a captivating media workshop. The event, hosted by the UN Resident Coordinator Office, brought together a diverse mix of media outlets, independent journalists, and young media professionals, with aims to deepen understanding and coverage of the UN's impactful work within Saudi Arabia.

The UN Resident Coordinator, Mohammed El Zarkani, opened the media workshop and extended a warm welcome, setting the stage for a day filled with insights and revelations. Dr. Fawzia AlHarbi, Director of Corporate Communications at the Technical and Vocational Training Corporation, took the stage with a compelling keynote address. Her words resonated with the participants, emphasizing the crucial role media plays in achieving sustainable development and the ambitious Vision 2030.

The workshop unfolded as a narrative, with each session contributing to the overarching story of media empowerment. UNHCR led a compelling session on humanitarian storytelling, transporting the audience into the heart of impactful narratives that drive empathy and understanding.

UNESCO and OHCHR steered the discussion toward combating misinformation and hate speech. Their insights illuminated the challenges faced by media in an era of digital misinformation, underscoring the responsibility to promote accurate information.

In a compelling session led by Caroline Faraj, Vice President of CNN Arabic, UN Women skillfully painted a vivid picture of gender-sensitive media. Faraj's expertise added a unique perspective, enriching discussions on inclusivity and diversity in media narratives. The session echoed the broader call for equal representation, emphasizing the pivotal role media plays in shaping perceptions and promoting gender equality.

FAO unveiled the secrets of sustainable and rural development, showcasing initiatives that form the backbone of the nation's progress.

The workshop didn't merely unfold as a series of sessions; it was a journey, a narrative that unfolded, each chapter building on the last. The outcomes were evident not just in increased awareness and enhanced capacity but in the strengthened partnerships forged through lively discussions and shared insights.

As the day drew to a close, a survey captured the sentiments of the participants. A collective photo captured the spirit of collaboration that had permeated the event. The UN in Saudi Arabia, thrilled with the success, expressed optimism for continued collaboration, recognizing the media's pivotal role in shaping the narrative of sustainable development in the nation.

The success of the workshop owed much to the active participation of UN agencies, including UNHCR, UNESCO, UN Women, and FAO. The UN looks forward to future chapters, inviting the media to contribute to the unfolding story of sustainable development in Saudi Arabia.