The 7th Ethnic Media Conference was opened at Majoi Hall of Manau Park in Myitkyina Townsip, Kachin State, yesterday, with the theme of ‘Ethnic Media for Justice’.
The event will be held until 18 September. The six previous conferences were held in Mon, Shan, Chin, Rakhine, Kayah and Kayin states.
Kachin State Chief Minister Dr Khet Aung made an opening remark, with recognizing the role of news media and disseminating true news in accordance with media ethics. He also sought idea for development of the State and the contribution of media as the fourth pillar for the emergence of a democratic federal union.
On behalf of Union Minister for Information Dr Pe Myint, Director-General of Information and Public Relations Department U Ye Naing said that in the sixth conference, ethnic media agreed to publish true news about internal peace negotiations and produced good results.
He also suggested for production of quality news in national events, especially from ethnic areas, supporting the ethnic people with media and information literacy in democratization process and 2020 General Election, and scrutinizing fake news, wrong news, hate speech and conflicts.
Kachin Ethnic Literature and Culture Committee Chairman U Hton Phu Dagun said his appreciation to host the conference, and pledged cooperation of local communities and media.
The discussions will be made by officials from the Ministry of Information, Myanmar Press Council, media experts from local and ethnic media, media network groups, political parties, religious and social communities and officials from the Embassy of the United States in Myanmar.
During the three-day event, the Group 1 will discuss the topic on Journalist’s Safety and Media Sustainability, Group 2 on Mega Development Project and Its Environmental Effects/Public Safety, Group 3 on Media Freedom Vs Prospects of Democratic Transition, Group 4 on Crashes, Peace Process, Reform & The Trends of Ethnic Media in Myanmar, and Group 5 on Ethnic Media Engagement with Justice.— Kachin State IPRD
(Translated by Aung Khin)
