UNESCO - United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization

10/31/2024 | News release | Distributed by Public on 10/31/2024 05:43

Strengthening the Albanian public broadcaster's capacities for disaster preparedness and response

To tackle the growing challenges, UNESCO partnered with the Permanent Conference of Mediterranean Audiovisual Operators (COPEAM) to support Albanian media in disaster preparedness and response. This collaboration strengthened the broadcasting and editorial capacities of the largest public broadcaster with nation-wide reach, Radio Televizioni Shqiptar (RTSH), providing advanced radio equipment and specialized training.

In times of crisis, timely and accurate information is essential for protecting lives. This demands the vital work of independent media. By bolstering media capacity to operate effectively before, during and after emergencies, UNESCO is helping to ensure that communities are better informed and prepared for disasters. This partnership with COPEAM underscores the two organizations' shared commitment to media development and climate action.

Tawfik JelassiAssistant Director-General for Communication and Information, UNESCO

Radio is a particularly flexible and very fast communication medium. Radio is live by definition, since it allows to immediately aggregate information and disseminate a message among the audience by the use of just a microphone and a frequency. But when working in emergencies, it requires well-trained professionals suitable to this type of activity.

Claudio CapponSecretary General, COPEAM

The UNESCO-COPEAM collaboration will also help strengthenthe RTSH's strategies and practices for reporting on climate change adaptation and for disaster risk preparedness and reduction.

In December 2024, COPEAM will work with the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) to deliver such targeted trainings to RTSH, including on the utilization of digital tools and AI to improve programming on climate change and natural hazards through a solutions journalism approach.

This initiative is part of UNESCO's broader efforts to strengthen media capacity in disaster preparedness and response in the regions most vulnerable to climate change and natural hazards, empowering media to function as key players in climate action and disaster management.