UN-Media engagement to promote awareness on the SDGs in South Africa

The United Nations in South Africa hosted a Roundtable Media Breakfast meeting with editors and senior journalists from various media agencies at the Hilton Hotel in Sandton in Johannesburg. The purpose of the breakfast meeting was to discuss mechanisms on how best media can promote and improve coverage of developmental issues in relation to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) within South Africa.

Mahlatse Mahlase, chairperson of the South African National Editors Forum (SANEF) called on the United Nations to be more proactive and creative in promoting the work of the UN and to be more responsive to the needs of communities. She further affirmed media’s commitment to continue telling South African stories geared at achieving Agenda [2030].

The media emphasized the importance of using a solution based media reporting approach that focuses on the responses of social issues as well as addressing the problems. This journalistic approach is best suited to present people with factual and comprehensive information that drives effective engagement with the public.

Nardos Békélé-Thomas, the Resident Coordinator of the United Nations in South Africa “acknowledged the role of the media in raising awareness and educating the public on how the SDGs can be achieved. She also emphasized the importance of collaboration, commitment and strong partnerships for the implementation of the [goals] In her closing remarks, Ms. Békélé-Thomas called on all media to understand the work of the UN as well as – monitor and drive awareness around the SDGs.