Media and sustainable development : Role of the Media in Attainment of Goals

At a time when African nations ought to be cooperating and consolidating ties in order to exploit fully their resources, they are regrettably being wrecked by deadly societal ills: Terrorism, corruption, geopolitical conflicts, violence, insecurity, internal and external displacements of persons threaten their common future. 
Yet, something can be done to alter the trend. In spite of the gravity of these problems, some African nations are working hard to be on the right path at national, and international levels. One of these nations is the Arab Republic of Egypt whose President is the current Chair of African Union, A.U.
In respect of the belief that what matters is not how fast one runs alone but how far he reaches, running with others, President Abdel Fattah El Sisi of Egypt in July 2014 launched the Egyptian Agency of Partnership for Development, EADP which is already serving as a catalyst of South-South cooperation
In five years of its existence, working with the Egyptian Fund for Technical Cooperation with Africa, and that of the Commonwealth of Independent States, this agency has already proven that African problems of global concern can be handled through understanding, awareness of challenges, and sharing of experiences.
This Agency of Partnership for Development has since its creation in July 2014 played a significant role in the mobilization of human resources aimed at equipping nationals from different regions of Africa to participate effectively in all that is being undertaken for development. 
Prerequisites such as education, health, communication, patriotism and security, are vital and the Agency takes up these areas seriously in its training programmes. 
Considering the importance of the press in its role of information, education and sensitization, the EAPD in July (12 – 27), brought together senior professionals of the media for a workshop, Seminars, and on-the-spot appraisal of developmental projects.
The Egyptian Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Sameh Shoukry explains that this, “seeks to put Egypt is comparative advantages into play for the befit of the continent so as to harness its immerse potential.”
With this principle, the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs working with the EAPD has already done much to prove that through cooperation with the rest of Africa, South-south cooperation can be given the meaning it deserves.
Comprehensive
The focus is not only on the media, but also other concerns, like energy, education, women empowerment, health, food and security.
With the objectives of supporting African cadres through these training courses which include the sharing of experiences, Egypt believes that South-south cooperation as a key instrument for economic integration can be given the boost necessary for the so much talked of South-south cooperation, to take off. Fortunately this is already happening.
The current President of the African Union, Egypt’s President, Abdel Fattah El Sisi attaches importance to the Egyptian Agency of Partnership for Development, EAPD because he believes, invaluable partnerships provide African solutions with a global perspective. This calls for knowledge of our challenges and how to alter the trends.
The media professionals workshop centered on the media and various aspects relating to economic integration, continental cooperation, the new media and social networking. The other topics dwelt on coverage of terrorism, and combating extremism and setbacks to peace and development. 
The topics treated were followed by enriching debates and sharing of experiences aimed at enlightening participants on what is at stake, as far as the challenge of sustainable development and the role of the media in its support.
TASKS AT HAND
The promotion of African relations at bilateral and continental levels is vital to economic integration, but leaders and the led should be concerned. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, aware of what it should be doing to make Egypt the gate way to the Middle East, and rest of Africa, uses well the AEPD for Development. 
This organisation has since its creation in 2014, been bringing fellow Africans to Egypt for workshops and seminars aimed at mobilistaion and training for development. But as it is one thing acquiring the mobilization and training skills, and another putting them into practice, the environment that makes possible the application of knowledge is also taken care of through other related programmes.
Individuals who participate in these sessions which cost much to organize, are expected to be seriously concerned about good management that taps the best from citizens. This is possible when there is peace, political stability and good governance.
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