Radiomind Broadcast and the World Radio Day Summit, in collaboration with UNESCO, United Media, Vision Group, and other media associations and regulators, marked World Radio Day with a significant event highlighting radio’s impact on climate action, education, and community engagement. The summit took place on February 13, 2025, at Next Conference Center in Naguru, Kampala, featuring keynote speeches, panel discussions, and technology exhibitions from leading companies like LAWO from Germany and PRO AV Africa, led by Boaz Shani in Bugolobi.
Radio’s Role in Climate Action
UNESCO’s Director for East Africa, Ms. Louise Haxthausen, served as the chief guest alongside representatives from the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), the National Association of Broadcasters, the Uganda Media Council, and other organizations. Their speeches emphasized radio’s importance in addressing climate challenges, providing reliable information, and combating misinformation.
Ms. Haxthausen highlighted how radio supports climate change mitigation, from early warning broadcasts to sustainable farming education. She also underscored UNESCO’s initiatives to ensure climate information remains credible and urged radio stations to collaborate with environmental experts to improve fact-based reporting.
Showcasing Broadcast Innovation
The event featured a cutting-edge exhibition on broadcast technology. LAWO presented advanced audio and video solutions for reliable radio broadcasting, while PRO AV Africa demonstrated its expertise in sourcing and supplying broadcast equipment in Uganda. These innovations are expected to enhance radio’s reach, even in remote areas.
Radio’s Impact on Climate Awareness
The summit shed light on the role of radio in climate awareness, especially in regions like Uganda’s Rwenzori area, where UNESCO’s programs help community stations spread environmental knowledge. These stations educate the public on sustainable resource management and conservation practices.
A critical issue raised was the growing risks faced by climate journalists. A UNESCO report revealed 749 attacks, including 44 killings, targeting environmental reporters from 2009 to 2023. The summit called for better protection for these journalists and recognized their crucial role in climate action.
A Call for Action in Broadcasting
As World Radio Day 2025 was celebrated, the summit urged radio professionals to prioritize accurate climate reporting, collaborate with experts, and engage communities in solutions. It also highlighted the need for media to hold industries and governments accountable for environmental harm.
Celebrating Radio’s Enduring Power
Proclaimed by UNESCO in 2011 and adopted by the UN in 2012, World Radio Day on February 13 continues to be a momentous occasion. This year’s event brought together radio professionals, technology leaders, environmentalists, and policymakers to reinforce the medium’s power in fighting misinformation, bridging the digital divide, and inspiring meaningful climate action.
