Latest news with #LeslieRicher
Zawya
a day ago
- Politics
- Zawya
African Union and United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Champion Information Integrity with New Continental Framework
"In an era of evolving information landscapes, safeguarding information integrity is paramount to fostering trust, informed citizenship, and robust democracies across Africa," stated Director of information and communication Directorate, Leslie Richer, 'This framework marks an important step in equipping our citizens with the critical skills needed to navigate the digital age." The Information and Communication Directorate, in a collaborative effort with the UNESCO Liaison Office to the AU and UNECA, are working towards developing the first draft of the AU Continental Framework on Information Integrity, Digital, Media, and Information Literacy (MIL).This Framework will provide essential support to AU Member States to develop and implement comprehensive Information Literacy (MIL) and digital competencies policies and strategies and further empower African citizens to critically assess information, participate effectively in digital spaces, and contribute to inclusive development. "This collaboration with the African Union on the Continental Framework for Information Integrity and Media and Information Literacy (MIL) is a crucial step forward. UNESCO firmly believes that empowering African citizens with these essential skills is key to promoting informed civic engagement, countering disinformation and misinformation, and driving an inclusive and equitable digital transformation across the continent. Rita Bissoonauth, Director of UNESCO Liaison Office to AU, ECA and Representative to Ethiopia. The development of this inaugural draft framework is guided by key continental and international recommendations and decisions, including: The Continental AI Strategy, which was endorsed by the African Union Executive Council during its 45th Ordinary Session in Accra, Ghana, on July 18-19, 2024, with particular focus on its recommendations pertaining to responsible AI development and deployment to ensure the integrity of Information (pages 50-51). The G20 Maceió Ministerial Declaration on Digital Inclusion for All, emphasizing the global commitment to equitable access and digital literacy. Relevant Decisions adopted by the Peace and Security Council (PSC) of the African Union (AU) at its 1214th meeting (open session) held on June 13, 2024, and its 1230th meeting (Open Session) on September 2, 2024, underlining the nexus between information integrity, digital literacy, peace, and security. Following the completion of this initial draft, a six-month regional consultation process with stakeholders will commence. This extensive consultation phase ensures comprehensive feedback and broad buy-in before the framework is presented for approval to the Communication and ICT Ministers and the Sixth Ordinary Session of the Specialized Technical Committee on Communication and ICT (CCICT-6), to be held 3rd – 6th November 2025 in Addis Ababa. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Union (AU).
Zawya
31-01-2025
- Business
- Zawya
The African Union (AU) Rolls Out the MOVE AFRICA Project to Promote Fair and Balanced Discourse on Migration, Labor Mobility, and Free Movement in Africa
Migration in Africa is often portrayed through a crisis-centric lens, overshadowing its significant contributions to economic resilience, innovation, and cultural diversity. It is against this background that The African Union Information and Communication Directorate (AU ICD) in partnership with the African Union Liaison Office of the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmBH (GIZ AU) joined forces to launch the MOVE AFRICA communications project with the objective to shift public perception by emphasizing the benefits, challenges, and opportunities associated with migration, moving beyond stereotypes to present a more balanced and human-centered perspective. "In her remarks, Leslie Richer, Director of Information and Communication at the African Union Commission, highlighted the project's role in providing journalists and storytellers with the tools, training, and resources necessary to amplify diverse voices, encourage balanced dialogue, and advance policies that ensure safe, fair, and regular migration." In reference to the project, Dr. Sabelo Mbokazi, Head of Labour, Employment&Migration at the African Union Commission, emphasized the crucial role of the media in shaping migration narratives. He highlighted that the way migration is reported and discussed has a significant influence on public perception and policymaking. Dr Mbokazi noted that while migration is often framed as a challenge, its potential as a catalyst for economic development, skills transfer, and social cohesion remains underrepresented. he stressed that media professionals play a key role in reshaping public discourse by presenting migration as a complex and multidimensional phenomenon rather than a one-sided crisis. MOVE AFRICA is a crucial and timely initiative; today, Africa is home to over 40 million international migrants, accounting for 14.5% of the global migrant population. Notably, more than 51% of these migrants reside within the continent, underscoring the importance of intra-African mobility. Despite the vital role and growing relevance of mobility in fostering regional integration and economic growth, the implementation of continental migration policies such as the Migration Policy Framework for Africa (MPFA), the AU Free Movement of Persons Protocol (AU FMP) and the Joint Labour Migration Programme (JLMP) need to be further promoted. 'As part of the ongoing efforts of the AU and other stakeholders on the continent, MOVE AFRICA was developed to raise awareness and promote dialogue on mobility challenges and opportunities, fostering greater political will and public support for migration-friendly policies. Together, these initiatives work toward a more integrated and economically dynamic Africa, where migration serves as a driver of development rather than a challenge to be managed.' Kokebe Hailegabriel - Head of Project Support to the African Union on Labour Migration and Free Movement of Persons The MOVE AFRICA project is proud to introduce its grantees, a group of exceptional African owned organizations tasked with implementing the objectives of this initiative, through awareness campaigns, media engagement, capacity-building workshops, and policy dialogues, will help reshape migration narratives, challenge misconceptions, and amplify migrant voices. This program directly supports the realization of Agenda 2063, the AU's strategic framework for inclusive and sustainable development. By reshaping the discourse on migration, it aims to build greater support for Africa's migration frameworks, fostering a continent that is integrated, prosperous, and peaceful. The free movement of people is a cornerstone of regional integration and economic growth, and this project underscores the AU's commitment to advancing this vision. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Union (AU).
