91�鶹������Ʒ����

The “Union de la Presse Francophone de Djibouti,” in partnership with UNESCO, celebrated World Press Freedom Day at the Sheraton Hotel. The event brought together eminent personalities, including the Minister of Communication, in charge of Posts and Telecommunications, His Excellency Radwan Abdillahi Bahdon, the President of UPF Djibouti, Kenedid Ibrahim Houssein, as well as national media directors and numerous professionals from the print, audiovisual, and online media.

The theme of this year's World Press Freedom Day was "The Press at the Service of the Planet: Journalism and the Environmental Crisis." This theme highlights the crucial role of the media in raising awareness and mobilizing against the devastating effects of climate change, particularly felt in the Horn of Africa region. Djibouti, like other countries in this region, is particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, including frequent droughts, floods, and water shortages, which have devastating consequences for vulnerable populations, infrastructure, livelihoods, and food security.

In his address, Kenedid Ibrahim Houssein stressed the urgency of the current climate situation, pointing out that "the Republic of Djibouti is already suffering the upheavals caused by bad weather and other natural calamities due to climate change. In recent years alone, droughts and floods have affected our country." He emphasized the essential role of the national press in dealing with climate change issues by informing the public of the risks and relaying expert analysis. He also paid tribute to the journalists who had lost their lives in the exercise of their profession this year, including in Gaza.

The Minister of Communication, Radwan Abdillahi Bahdon, also highlighted the importance of the media in covering environmental issues. He spoke of efforts to build media capacity in collaboration with the Ministry of the Environment and Sustainable Development to involve them more closely in the fight against the impacts of climate change.

Among the day's presentations, that of journalist-trainer Hasna Maki Houmed particularly caught the eye. Entitled "Climate Issues: A Major Challenge for Journalists," her speech highlighted the multiple challenges facing journalists when covering environmental topics. Maki Houmed stressed the need to inform without creating panic or fear by providing concrete solutions and encouraging positive behaviors among the population.