MEDIA RELEASE
27 October 2008
For immediate release
MEDIA AND GOOD GOVERNANCE
In recognition of the important role media plays in society, Divine Word University (DWU) in Madang will host a three-day symposium with the theme ‘Promoting Democratic Governance in PNG through Media’ starting on Wednesday this week.
The symposium is an initiative of the University and supported by the Australian aid program’s Democratic Governance program in PNG.
Representatives from the district governments in Madang are expected to address the topic of democratic governance, and reports and research papers will be presented by academics and student researchers.
“It will be about adding to and increasing the demand for transparent and inclusive approaches to governance, with a particular interest in the role of media in democracy,” says Dr Patrick Gesch, Head of the PNG Studies Department at DWU.
Dr Gesch added that there is a particular aim to engage with NGOs, church agencies, academics and ordinary citizens, and Government in the province to find ways to show their practices are transparent and accountable.
Bill Costello, the new head of Australia’s aid program in PNG, said forums like this provide a valuable opportunity for ideas to be shared, but taking those ideas forward is even more important.
“Australia is a committed partner in supporting the efforts of Papua New Guineans and the PNG Government to develop and implement good governance policies and initiatives, so we’re looking forward to hearing what comes out of the discussions,” he said.
Mr Costello said there are many roles the media plays in promoting good governance.
“We’re working with the Media Council (of PNG) and the National Broadcasting Corporation on a 5-year Media for Development Initiative that aims to strengthen media organisations so that they can play that role fully,” he said.
Media Inquiries: Anna Awasa, AusAID Public Affairs, Ph: 325 9333 ext 304