UN Urges Accurate Reporting for Zimbabwe's Development

By Jonathan Mbiriyamveka

Masvingo, Zimbabwe – The media has been spotlighted as a critical partner in Zimbabwe’s development journey.

Speaking at the UN-Media Seminar on Development Reporting held at the Regency Hotel in Masvingo, UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, Mr Edward Kallon, emphasized the media’s ability to catalyze social transformation through accurate and objective reporting.

Mr Kallon commended the Ministry of Information for its efforts in fostering a media landscape that supports the country’s development priorities.

He acknowledged the diversity of media platforms available in Zimbabwe, ranging from print to electronic and web-based sources, and their potential to positively influence public attitudes, decision-making, and behaviors.

“Each medium carries a message, shapes perceptions, and can drive the change necessary for Zimbabwe’s social and economic transformation,” Mr Kallon stated. He reiterated the UN’s commitment to supporting a robust media environment that promotes the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and ensures no one is left behind.

The seminar also highlighted the media’s role in combating misinformation, particularly in addressing urgent issues.

Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Mr Ezra Chadzamira said the media can contribute positively to public opinion and behaviour fostering informed citizens and promoting democratic values.

“This workshop will therefore not only seek to stimulate the public discourse on critical development issues that also facilitate the creation of a joint UN-Media Action Plan that incorporates key messages from the UN Cooperation Framework, Zimbabwe’s National Development Strategy 1 and the Sustainable Development Goals,” Mr Chadzamira said.

“Let me inform you that the Second Republic under the able stewardship of His Excellency, Cde Dr. E.D. Mangagwa will give you moral and material support in this media initiative to make sure that our citizens are well and factually informed.”

He applauded the role and work of the United Nations Agencies and would continue to cooperate and work together for a better Zimbabwe and a better world.