By Jonathan Mbiriyamveka
Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Permanent Secretary Nick Mangwana has urged the media to write developmental projects being implemented by Government in alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Officially opening a four-day workshop on development reporting organised by the United Nations in Zimbabwe on Monday, Mangwana hoped for the media not to leave anyone behind.
“I urge you all to continue reporting on developmental issues and it is my hope that at the end of this workshop we will witness more developmental stories on all platforms to ensure that no one is left behind in terms of access to information.
“Although the country is still facing challenges due to unjustified economic sanctions, the impact of the Covid-19 which ravished most nations and climate change, the Government is determined to build onward better through policies and projects for the benefit of everyone,” he said.
He said Government was implementing the 17 SDGs which seek to leave no one behind as it pushed the nations’ thrust, vision and aspirations.
“My ministry whose mandate is to ensure citizens has access to information through developmental reporting is epitomized by the Sustainable Development Goal 16: “Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions”, and one of its targets calls for states to “ensure public access to information and protect fundamental freedoms, in accordance with national legislation and international agreements,” he said.
He said public access to information is key in development reporting.
“Development reporting in the media industry is appreciated as it is rich in content depth, in an endeavour to create awareness and mobilize the masses to take an interest in various developmental projects working together with the Government and its stakeholders.
“Development reporting is guided by the UN’s sustainable development goals (SDGs) which seek not to leave anyone behind by the year 2030, in line with the country’s vision and aspiration of attaining an upper-middle-income economy by 2030,” Mangwana said.
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