PUBLIC Service ministry secretary Simon Masanga has urged journalists to enhance their reporting capabilities by embracing data journalism skills, to effectively report on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Masanga highlighted the crucial role journalists play in promoting transparency and accountability in SDG implementation and also to raise awareness among the public.
To support this, the Public Service ministry, in partnership with United Nations Development Programme, recently organised a training workshop to equip journalists with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively report on SDGs.
Over 30 journalists from various media organisations, including community media, attended the training.
In his opening remarks, read by Sylocious Chaturuka, the deputy director SDGs and Agenda 2063 unit in the Public Service ministry, Masanga said data was crucial to explain the efforts by government in implementing the development goals.
“The ability to analyse and interpret reliable data will enable us to provide insightful commentary that drives public awareness and accountability,” he said.
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“By equipping ourselves with these essential skills we can elevate the quality of our reporting and contribute meaningfully to the discourse on sustainable development.”
Masanga also called for partnerships among media, government and civil society to successfully achieve the development goals.
“Building partnerships is vital for enhancing our capacity to report on these critical issues and fostering a more inclusive dialogue around sustainable development,” he said.
“Together, we can create a robust network that amplifies our efforts and ensures that all voices are heard.”