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Kampala, 13 February 2025 – UNESCO joined Ugandan radio stakeholders to celebrate World Radio Day at the Next Conference Centre, Naguru. The event, highlighted radio's critical role in climate action, education, and community engagement. Key partners included Radio mind Broadcast, United Media, Vision Group, and media associations and regulatory bodies.

Under the global theme "Radio and Climate Change," this year’s celebration emphasized radio’s power in reporting climate issues, raising awareness, and inspiring action. The event came at a pivotal time, aligning with the Paris Agreement’s 2025 deadline for peaking global greenhouse gas emissions, a crucial step toward limiting global warming to 1.5°C.

Louise Haxthausen, Director of the UNESCO Regional Office for Eastern Africa and Representative to Uganda, underscored radio’s vital role in addressing climate change. “While the Paris Agreement is a cornerstone of global climate action, radio plays a crucial role by providing fact-based information, amplifying listeners’ voices, and offering dedicated climate programming,” she stated.

She also highlighted UNESCO’s intervention in the Rwenzori sub-region, where its International Programme for the Development of Communication (IPDC) supported 15 community radio stations. These stations empower local communities by promoting environmental awareness, sustainable resource management, and resilience-building in a region facing intense ecological pressure due to population growth and refugee influxes from neighbouring countries. 

The summit also highlighted the  increasing  threats against climate and environmental journalists.  According to UNESCO report, a staggering 749 attacks, including 44 killings, were reported against journalists covering environmental issues between 2009 and 2023.This increase in violence underscores the critical need for greater protection and recognition of the importance of environmental journalists' work in the fight against climate change.

The summit featured a series of activities including keynote speeches, panel discussions, and technology exhibitions from industry players such as LAWO and PRO AV Africa, who presented advanced audio and video solutions for reliable radio broadcasting. These innovations are expected to enhance radio’s reach, even in remote and underserved areas.

The summit called on  radio professionals to prioritize accurate climate reporting, collaborate with experts, and actively engage with communities in finding sustainable solutions. 

Louise Haxthausen, highlighted that At a time when such disorders are becoming increasingly common, and when new forms of climate denial, supported by AI, and accompanied by disinformation campaigns are emerging on digital platforms, we must recognize the critical and often life-saving role of radio. 

Rosette Nandutu, Team Lead,  at Vijana for Sustainable Development & Environmental Action  stated that “As climate challenges intensify, including unpredictable rainfall patterns and increasing temperatures that threaten our agriculture and livelihoods, we must harness the power of radio to spread awareness & educate our fellow citizens.”

The event also highlighted the need for media to hold industries and governments accountable for environmental harm, reinforcing radio’s role as a catalyst for climate.