GFMD was invited to the Kalimat Sudania Project Final Event and Coordination Conference on Sudan in Kampala, which took place from April 23rd to April 25th, 2024.
| 23. April 2024
Canal France International (CFI), the French media development agency, organised the Project Final Event and Coordination Conference on Sudan in Kampala, Uganda, from April 23rd to April 25th, 2024, as part of the Kalimat Sudania project. This conference presented a vital opportunity for various organisations, Sudanese journalists, experts, media outlets, and representatives of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) to convene and strategise on enhancing collaboration to address Sudan’s ongoing challenges.
GFMD actively participated in the event, hosting a session dedicated to discussing collaboration and the OECD Development Cooperation Principles for Relevant and Effective Support to Media and the Information Environment in the Sudanese context. This session took place on Thursday, 26th April.
Through this session and a linked workshop introducing the Sudan Media Forum, GFMD aimed to catalyse collective action towards creating a more inclusive and sustainable media environment in Sudan, promoting collaboration, strengthening democratic resilience, and advancing media freedom.
Key topics included ensuring support for public interest media, empowering local leadership, and improving coordination among donor agencies with the forum to empower media in Sudan. GFMD convened to discuss collaboration among key players, focusing on enhancing member cooperation and exploring ways for international actors to support the initiative.
During the meeting, the OECD Development Cooperation Principles on Relevant and Effective Support to Media and the Information Environment were presented in both Arabic and English, with live interpretation available in English, Arabic, and French. This inclusive approach was particularly appreciated by small media outlets and media development organizations, especially those in exile, who found the Arabic fundraising guide valuable for their efforts.
As a significant follow-up to the recent meeting, GFMD, in collaboration with international organisations, assisted the Sudan Media Forum in preparing a joint appeal to donors. This effort aims to showcase the reach and impact of the hub, particularly highlighting how journalists are reporting from exile. The appeal was presented at the World Press Freedom Day (WPFD) event by OHCHR – Sudan.
Here is GFMD’s urgent appeal for support to Sudanese media, encouraging members and partners to sign in support of Sudanese media.
As Sudan grapples with the aftermath of conflict, the Sudan Media Forum issues a fervent call to the global community. Urging support for the Sudanese people and swift diplomatic resolutions to the crisis, the Forum underscores the importance of international solidarity in times of strife. With the support of the global community, the Sudanese media remains resolute in its mission to uncover the truth and pave the way towards a brighter future for Sudan.
The Sudan Media Forum is committed to journalistic principles and the pursuit of truth. Journalists and media professionals across Sudan continue to fulfil their duty to inform the public, expose human rights violations, and advocate for peace and accountability, and the forum aims to collectively support these efforts.
Join us in supporting Sudanese media by signing the urgent appeal here.
If your organisation is active in Sudan or involved in Sudan-related media assistance, we invite you to also subscribe to our Sudan mailing list.