Cambodia has called for further cooperation among media practitioners to discuss various rising issues especially during the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in order to forge a worthwhile future for the regional media industries.
The remarks were made by H.E. Dr. Khieu Kanharith, Minister of Information in his special remarks at the opening ceremony of the virtual AIBD’s 46th Annual Gathering and 19th AIBD General Conference and Associated Meetings held on Thursday.
In the meeting, he said that media practitioners have watched with great trepidation when the COVID-19 pandemic brought forth a tsunami of infodemics and confusion.
The negative impact of fake news and misinformation on politics, economics, security, social order and culture is undeniable, he continued.
“It disrupts the unity and peace of the country, exacerbates distrust, division and violence among people, and undermine the confidence of the citizens in the media,” he added.
He commended AIBD’s efforts for providing space for policymakers and media practitioners to discuss the various rising issues, especially during the beginning of the pandemic.
“With the timely COVID-19 Sessions targeted towards many different regions, through content sharing initiatives and inter-governmental cooperation, we the members, have never been more connected with each other,” he said.
“It is time for greater cooperation among the member organisations of the AIBD, to come together and promote authentic information and good programming. It is time to deliberate and steer this organisation, of which we are all beneficiaries, toward greater heights, forging a worthwhile future for the regional media industries,” said H.E. Dr. Khieu Kanharith.
On the occasion, AIBD presented to the Cambodian information minister the Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his contribution and continuous support and further development of the AIBD Institution.
Themed “The way forward in the new norm”, the 46th Annual Gathering/19th AIBD General Conference & Associated Meetings 2021 was organised virtually on Dec. 9, 2021 and discussed the most pertinent issues and media strategies.
Source: Agency Kampuchea Press