Event
Diversity, Equality and Inclusion in the Ukrainian Media: Donbas Media Forum 2024
The principles of diversity, equality, and inclusion in the media are not just ideals but imperatives for Ukraine's recovery and reconstruction process. In times of armed conflict, these principles become critical, ensuring that all citizens, particularly those most vulnerable, such as persons with disabilities, are not left behind. Access to accurate and timely information can be a matter of survival, as it empowers individuals to make informed decisions and access essential services. By implementing inclusive policies and practices, the Ukrainian media help realization of the rights and safety of war-affected populations.
On 18 October 2024, UNESCO will convene a panel discussion on disability equality in the media as part of the DMF 2024, that will take place in Kyiv, Ukraine. The forum is an annual conference that brings together journalists and media managers from Ukraine and the world, providing an opportunity to discuss current issues of the sector and establish partnerships.
The panel will explore principles of diversity, equality and inclusion in media which are an essential part of Ukraine's recovery and reconstruction process, ensuring social justice and equal participation for all citizens, especially for veterans, media professionals with disabilities and those affected by war. It will raise awareness of media professionals on how upholding human rights standards is essential not only for social justice but also for Ukraine's alignment with international normative instruments such as the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
The discussion will also address how promoting disability equality in the media can generate new revenue streams for the sector by including persons with disabilities as their audiences and consumers of accessible media content and services.
The event will be in Ukrainian and English. .
The day prior to the panel, on 17 October, the eve of the DMF2024, UNESCO will organize a Workshop for Ukrainian Media Executives on disability equality in the media. Click here to learn more.
Speakers
Moderator: Ms Uliana Pcholkina, Public figure, Deputy Chair of the Board of the NGO Group for Active Rehabilitation; Chair of the Board of the Public Union The League of The Strong; member of the Expert Council on Barrier-Free Communication at the Ministry of Culture and Strategic Communications of Ukraine, TV host.
- Ms Irmgarda Kasinskaite-Buddeberg, Advisor for Communication and Information, UNESCO Headquarters
- Ms Natalia Harach, Member of the Supervisory Board of Suspilne in the Field of Protection of the Rights of Persons with Special Needs (Ukraine)
- Mr Oleksandr "Teren" Budko, War veteran, writer, disability rights activist and media personality (Ukraine)
- Ms Sofia Skyba, Executive Director, journalist, Pershyj Kryvirizkyj newsroom (Ukraine)
- Mr Maksym Zabielia, Journalist, newspaper Ridne Misto, Pokrovsk, Donetsk region (Ukraine)
