Experts have said that the media should shine a light on the intersection of faith and development.
They were speaking at the workshop titled “Strengthening objective coverage of the role of faith communities in achieving the SDGs” at the YWCA Training Center of the capital on Saturday, says a press release.
Center for Communication Action Bangladesh (C-CAB), in collaboration with the World Faiths Development Dialogue at Georgetown University, USA, organized the workshop covering a number of topics including best practices of conflict-sensitive journalism and conflict resolution; addressing bias, hate speech, and misinformation in a post-truth world, and achieving SDG 16 toward building a peaceful, inclusive and prosperous society.
Journalists from print, TV, and online media outlets attended the workshop which was held to discuss the role of religious actors, and religious considerations in the SDG agenda and to build capacity on how the news media can better cover faith dynamics in achieving a peaceful and inclusive society, says a press release issued on Saturday.
Introducing and elaborating on the workshop's subject, the moderator of the workshop and executive director of C-CAB, Syed Zain Al-Mahmood said: “The media can shift the binary secular vs religious narrative and provide balanced coverage of the role of faith groups as a socio-economic force.”
Tania Sultana, assistant professor, Department of Journalism & Media Studies of Stamford University, said: “Breaking the loop of conflict by covering peace in news is important.”
She also added: “Journalists can promote peace by avoiding sensational depiction of violence.”
Benedict Alo De Rozario, president, Caritas Asia, said: “Faith leaders from different communities can be the most effective catalyst to make positive change in the mindset of people.”
Faith groups and communities have an important role in achieving Sustainable Development Goals such as zero hunger, quality education, and a peaceful society.
Center for Communication Action Bangladesh uses media and strategic communication tools to improve access to timely, accurate, and actionable information with the ultimate aim of empowering communities and helping to achieve sustainable development goals.
WFDD is a not-for-profit based at Georgetown University working at the intersection of religion and global development.
