Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio & Communication(BNNRC) has endorsed the UNESCO International Declaration of Communications Professionals and Researchers for a healthier, viable, better world. This declaration is made against the background of the covid-19 pandemic which it describes as the most serious crisis our world has experienced in recent history. The declaration in six languages can be found here on a dedicated web: https://www.interdecom.org/
According to Oumar Kane, secretary general of the UNESCO network Orbicom: “The pandemic requires the broadest possible global solidarity. We share the belief that organizations dedicated to communication have an important role to play in this current crisis”.
The declaration calls for certain commitments by communication professionals:
- To work jointly and put our full energy into bringing people together to make a healthier world possible towards a harmonious shift to a viable, better future;
- To shoulder our responsibility through information and communications;
- To call for equal protection for all, strongly affirming that everyone deserves the same protection regardless of race, origin, gender, group or status;
- To play our full part in accompanying our communities in a critical transition to a new way of life, one that respects nature and the resources she gives us, that nurtures biodiversity and protects and treasures the Earth, our only home;
- To open, transparent and honest communications, free from fear and hatred, fostering a global, participatory, inclusive conversation, unwrapping unexpected opportunities in this uncertain world;
- To honour the power of active listening, lively and inclusive dialogue helping our communities and humanity build a healthier, viable, better world.
Background to Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio & Communication(BNNRC)
BNNRC’s approach to media development & digital development is both knowledge-driven and context-sensitive, and it takes into account the challenges and opportunities created by the rapidly changing media environment in Bangladesh inline with giving voices for the voiceless.
BNNRC is in Special Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) accredited with World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) of the United Nations and UN WSIS prize winner 2016, Champion 2017, 2019 & 2020 for media development.
BNNRC vision is Enable access to “on-demand” knowledge for all, using appropriate media to foster public debate for shaping their development agenda and assume responsibilities as citizens in the era of Fourth Industrial Revolution.
BNNRC mission is to enable a media literate, informed and participative society so that the underserved societies can shape their lives and livelihoods through the following:
- Fostering public debate, media pluralism and democracy using the power of information and communication
- Amplifying the voices of vulnerable, marginalized and excluded people in development debates
- Working with media and other information stakeholders to support people and communities to bring about positive changes in their lives and livelihoods
For more see https://www.bnnrc.net
Background to UNESCO and Orbicom
UNESCO is the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. It seeks to build peace through international cooperation in education, the sciences and culture. UNESCO’s programmes contribute to the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Orbicom is an international network of UNESCO chairs in communication. This network links communication leaders from academic, media, corporate and government circles with a view to providing an exchange of information, and the development of shared projects. For more see https://orbicom.ca/?lang=en