“The role of media in peacebuilding, stability, and sustainable development in Guinea-Bissau” is the theme of the 7th open class for journalists organized by the Media Consortium of Guinea-Bissau, which took place on October 27. The class was conducted by Tjark Egenhoff, UNDP Resident Representative, and Paula Silva de Melo, journalist and President of the Association of Professional Women in Social Communication for over 35 journalism students and senior journalists.

This open class also marked United Nations Day, celebrated annually on October 24th. The United Nations celebrated 76 years since its creation in 1945. The UN has been working on promoting and maintaining peace and security, protecting human rights and supporting sustainable development. The theme of United Nations Day 2021 was “Building together for Peace and Prosperity”, in line with the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16 – Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions. UNDP Guinea-Bissau has been working towards this SDG through different projects, namely on promoting good governance, political stabilization and strengthening the rule of law.

As the world celebrated International Day to end Impunity for crimes against Journalists on November 2nd, 2021, CMICS with the support of UNDP Guinea-Bissau also organized an open class for journalists to address the theme “The gender perspective in journalistic reporting”.

The open classes are an initiative of the Political Stabilization and Reform Project through Confidence Building and Inclusive Dialogue implemented by UNDP with funding from the United Nations Peacebuilding Fund.

On every last Wednesday of the month, open classes for journalists take place at CMICS, in Bissau. These classes are then broadcast on 16 community radios, ensuring that they reach journalists across Guinea-Bissau. Until the end of the year, two more open classes will take place. The media have a key role in promoting access to quality information, which is why training is essential for the performance of their duties.