KHARTOUM – The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and Sudan’s Ministry of Culture and Information discussed expanding cooperation to strengthen community media, combat misinformation and hate speech, and support the recovery of the country’s media sector during talks in Khartoum.
The meeting, attended by the Sudanese National Commission for Education, Science and Culture, reviewed plans to expand support for community radio stations to ensure local communities continue to have access to reliable information, particularly in areas affected by conflict.
The two sides also discussed conducting a comprehensive assessment of damage to national media institutions, including the Sudan Radio and Television Corporation and the Sudan News Agency (SUNA), to identify reconstruction priorities, mobilize international support and preserve Sudan’s media heritage.
Sudan’s media sector has suffered extensive damage since the outbreak of the conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in April 2023, with media facilities damaged or forced to suspend operations in several parts of the country.
The discussions also covered reviving media law reform by incorporating digital media standards and UNESCO’s Media and Information Literacy (MIL) framework to promote responsible use of digital platforms, critical thinking and a legal environment that supports freedom of expression.
UNESCO and the ministry agreed to hold monthly coordination meetings, reaffirming their commitment to restoring Sudan’s media sector, safeguarding the country’s documentary heritage and improving public access to reliable information.
