The African Union of Broadcasting (AUB) has pledged to strengthen the capacity of African media to address the continent’s most pressing challenges.
AUB Director General Grégoire Ndjaka underscored this commitment during the opening of the 2nd AUB Media Summit on Climate Change in Dakar, Senegal. He discussed initiatives aimed at enhancing the role of media in promoting development, governance, and social change across Africa.
He said the Summit themed “Reaching the Last Mile: Radio for Climate Action,” serves as a testament to our collective resolve to harness the unparalleled power of media, particularly radio, to tackle issues affecting the continent.
“As Director General of the African Union of Broadcasting (AUB), I am privileged to lead an organization that has long recognized the transformative role of media in shaping societal progress,” he stated.
Ndjaka noted that the AUB is collaborating closely with UNESCO to support a free and sustainable media environment in Africa. This partnership aims to empower media stakeholders through capacity-building initiatives that enhance their ability to report on critical issues impacting the continent.
He highlighted climate change as a challenge that requires robust media engagement, emphasizing that it transcends borders and affects every aspect of life, from agriculture and health to infrastructure and livelihoods. Despite contributing the least to global greenhouse gas emissions, Africa bears a disproportionate burden of its consequences.
“Droughts, floods, and rising temperatures threaten our food security, economies, and the very fabric of our communities. It is imperative that we harness every available resource, including the media, to confront this existential threat,” he asserted.
The Director General showcased initiatives spearheaded by the AUB in partnership with relevant organizations, specifically citing cooperation with the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) to advance the media’s role in addressing climate change through the Media Saving Lives Initiative.
“The fight against climate change requires a multi-faceted approach, and this summit embodies that principle. By bringing together diverse voices and expertise, we can develop innovative strategies to communicate the complexities of climate science in ways that are both accessible and actionable. From community radio stations broadcasting in local languages to regional collaborations on investigative journalism, the opportunities for impact are immense,” he said
Through this initiative, Djaka noted that the programme is advancing broadcasting throughout the continent by building a network of professionals and institutions dedicated to fostering development, education, and advocacy through communication. He stated that the two-day summit in Senegal represents a cornerstone of this mission, focusing on how the media can catalyse climate action in ways that resonate deeply with our diverse populations.
“Radio remains one of the most accessible and trusted mediums in Africa, reaching remote communities where other forms of communication cannot. It is through this powerful medium that we can deliver life-saving information, amplify marginalized voices, and inspire local and global action against climate change,” said the AUB leader.
“This summit provides a unique platform for collaboration among key stakeholders, including media executives, journalists, scientists, policymakers, and scholars. By fostering dialogue and exchanging best practices, we aim to equip the media with the tools and knowledge necessary to report on climate change with accuracy, urgency, and impact. It is our hope that the outcomes of these discussions will resonate far beyond these two days, influencing policies and practices across the continent,” he added.
