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Quotes on importance of media to development

“No substantial famine has ever occurred in any independent and democratic country with a relatively free press.”
Amartya Sen, winner of the 1998 Nobel Prize in Economics

“Think of a world where everybody is afraid to speak out, then think of a world where no one is afraid to speak up.”
Mary Robinson, the Elders, former President of Ireland, former UN Human Rights Commissioner

“Free and independent media should be recognised as a key dimension of efforts to eradicate poverty…They develop the relationship between an informed, critical and participatory citizenry and responsive elected officials…They (provide) benefits, such as ... strengthening of basic human rights, a stronger civil society, political transparency, support to education…and sustainable livelihoods.”
Koichiro Matsuura, Director-General of UNESCO

“A free press is at the absolute core of equitable development, if you cannot enfranchise poor people, if they do not have a right to expression, if there is no searchlight on corruption and inequitable practices, you cannot build the public consensus needed to bring about change.”
James D. Wolfensohn, former President of the World Bank