During the workshop on Challenges of Media Training in Yemen:UNDP-Yemen to help develop Yemen’s media [Archives:2004/765/Community]

During the workshop on “Challenges of Media Training in Yemen and Future Prospects” held last Saturday in Sanaa by the Mass Communication and Training Institute, Mr. James W. Rawley, the UNDP's Resident Coordinator, asserted the important role the media needs to play in the process of Yemen's development.
In the workshop that focused on the difficulties and challenges facing journalists and media organizations in Yemen, in the field of training, Mr. Rawley noted that in order to help media be more influential, training journalists should be a priority.
“There is still a great need for strengthening the media in Yemen- professionally and, technically. This is critical, not least since the media needs to play a major role in increasing awareness and stirring local dialogue on key development priorities necessary to achieve the Millennium Development Goals and other long and medium-term national plans.” Mr. Rawley said.

Yemeni Media to receive more UN attention
Mr. Rawley also added that information and communications officers of the UN system in Yemen are currently developing a common UN framework for dealing with the media, as well as assessing how best the UN System can scale up its support to the media sector, both technically and substantively, in a more coordinated manner.
“I would like to congratulate the Mass Communication and Training Institute)which is a leading institution mandated to offer media training opportunities for media practitioners)for taking this initiative to assess the needs of media training and to stir discussion among key national and international counterparts. This effort will no doubt contribute towards ensuring that the media in Yemen will play an effective role in promoting awareness about Yemen's development efforts to achieve the Millennium Development Goals by 2015.” Mr. Rawley added.
Mr. Rawley pledged to continue supporting Yemeni media institutions to become more active as a bridge between the public and the government.
“To conclude, let us work towards the media in Yemen becoming not only the watchdog against any human rights or any other violations, but also an important vehicle through which all Yemeni people will be able to voice their concerns and fulfill their aspirations.” Mr. Rawley concluded.
It is worth noting that the media in Yemen, especially the independent media, has been suffering from underdevelopment and lack of international assistance and support. Only recently have a number of initiatives from the Danish Government and European Union started focusing on this important pillar of democracy.
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