(SEPT 10, 2025 – JUBA) – On 10 September 2025, the Media Mentors Network joined UNESCO, the Ministry of Information, and other partners in a two day coordination meeting in Juba. The meeting was held under the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) project titled “Development of Mass Media to Improve Access to Information for Elections and Post-Elections in South Sudan.”
The discussions focused on strengthening the capacity of the media to provide reliable information ahead of South Sudan’s 2026 general elections.
The Undersecretary of the Ministry of Information, Mawien Bulabek Chol, opened the meeting by stressing that the media sector has a vital responsibility in creating national awareness during elections. He said that a well prepared media environment is key to ensuring citizens can make informed choices.
UNESCO’s Regional Adviser, Yayoi Segi-Vltchek, highlighted the importance of building the professional capacity of journalists and improving access to accurate information. She noted that strengthening the role of the media is essential not only for fair elections but also for sustaining peace and democratic development.
The gathering brought together state Ministers of Information, media regulators and radio station managers from Yambio, Malakal, Wau, and Terekeka.
Representatives from the Media Mentors Network shared experiences and good practices, including lessons from their media literacy initiatives. The organisation’s coordinator, Dhieu William, stressed the importance of empowering young people to understand the role of the media in shaping national development.
Officials from UNESCO and the Ministry of Information assured participants that the project will continue to provide technical and financial support to improve the quality of reporting. Discussions also explored opportunities for further training, cross media collaboration and new approaches to covering elections fairly and responsibly.
The coordination meeting closed with a shared commitment to build a stronger media sector that can deliver accurate, balanced and timely information during the elections and in the period that follows.
PHOTO CREDITS: Media Mentors Network