SUVA (Pacnews) — Freedom of the media will play a pivotal role in the development of the Pacific region.
This was the resolve of the Pacific Islands Forum on World Press Freedom Day, as noted by its Secretary General Greg Urwin.
“Today serves as a reminder to all that we must endeavor to support the development of a free and independent media industry,” said Urwin.
“Doing so will help our region achieve principles of good governance and promote accountability across the board.”
Urwin noted that the media plays an important role in supporting the implementation of the region’s development priorities, as identified in the Pacific Plan.
“The dissemination of information to the public pertaining to the progress of regional development is a priority,” said Urwin.
“In order for our member countries to tangibly benefit from regionalism at the country-level, people need to be informed of the possible benefits of doing so.”
Urwin added that a free and impartial media industry in the Pacific serves to foster well-informed communities and encourages healthy debate on key public-interest issues.
“I encourage the Pacific’s media industry to strive for excellence in their work, and wish the upcoming Pacific Islands News Association Conference a successful outcome.”
The PINA 2007 Conference is scheduled to be held in Honiara on May 24-26 with the theme “The Role of the Media in Building Pacific Economies.”
The Conference will be attended by media professionals from throughout the region, and is being hosted by the Media Association of Solomon Islands.