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UNESCO Celebrates World Radio Day 2025: Radio as a Catalyst for Climate Resilience
In collaboration with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Prasar Bharati, and Seeking Modern Applications for Real Transformation, UNESCO held ‘The Radio Festival’ at the India International Centre on 13 February 2025 to commemorate World Radio Day. This year’s festival aligned with the global theme, "Radio and Climate Change: Radio for Resilience," highlighting radio’s pivotal role in climate action and community empowerment.
Addressing the gathering, Mr Sanjay Jaju, Secretary, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, emphasized the transformative power of community radio in tackling climate change and strengthening local communities.
Community radio is a lifeline for marginalized communities, amplifying local voices and driving change on critical issues like climate adaptation. Recognizing its potential, the ministry is committed to ensuring its financial sustainability, fostering innovation, and strengthening its role as a catalyst for resilience.
The festival was attended by over 300 participants, including representatives national and local radio stations, and media industry experts. It also offered varied perspectives from representatives from All India Radio (AIR), private radio stations, and Community Radio Stations (CRs) who featured in different panel discussions on climate change and gender equality. These discussions emphasized the role of radio in raising awareness about environmental challenges, empowering marginalized communities, and fostering inclusivity. Experts explored how radio can serve as an agent of change, amplifying diverse voices and ensuring the representation of women and indigenous groups in climate discourse.
Dr. Pragya Paliwal Gaur, Director General, All India Radio (AIR), underlined the real-time impact and accessibility of radio in responding to climate-induced disasters, including man-animal conflicts and extreme weather events. She highlighted how AIR has been instrumental in delivering timely updates and essential information to communities facing environmental crises.
Dr. Benno Boer, Chief of the Natural Sciences Unit at UNESCO, reaffirmed the credibility and extensive reach of radio, particularly in engaging vulnerable communities and advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He spoke about the role of radio in fostering awareness, educating the public on climate action, and supporting sustainable development efforts at the grassroots level.
Some key takeaways included the importance of local language programming, the need for greater leadership opportunities for women in radio, and the expansion of community radio to bridge communication gaps in remote areas. Panelists also stressed the necessity of technological innovation in broadcasting to better serve rural populations and enhance resilience against climate change.
World Radio Day was officially adopted as a UN international day in 2012. Since then, 13 February has been observed annually to recognize radio’s enduring role as a powerful means of communication, a promoter of human rights, and a vital tool for information dissemination.
91Â鶹¹ú²ú¾«Æ·×ÔÅÄ long been committed to strengthening community radio networks, protecting indigenous languages, amplifying local stories, and spreading climate-conscious practices. By empowering grassroots media, UNESCO enhances disaster preparedness and resilience, ensuring that radio remains a crucial instrument in fostering informed, connected, and sustainable societies.
For more information, contact:
Ashita Singh: a.singh2@unesco.org
