Garowe, September 25, 2024 – The Media Association of Puntland (MAP) played a pivotal role at this year’s Annual Peace Conference, held from September 21-23 at the Martisoor Hotel in Garowe.
Organized by the Puntland Development Research Center (PDRC), the event gathered diverse local, regional, and international voices committed to advancing sustainable peace solutions for Somalia.
Key attendees included Puntland’s President, H.E. Saed Abdulahi Deni, prominent cabinet members, policy experts, peacebuilding specialists, journalists, and civil society representatives.
The conference focused on a central theme: “The Role of Media in Peace and Conflict in Somalia’s Context,” highlighting the indispensable role media plays in shaping narratives, fostering social cohesion, and promoting peace in fragile states. MAP’s delegation, led by Chair Mohamed Dahir, addressed the critical challenges confronting Puntland’s media landscape.
Chair Dahir underscored MAP’s ongoing commitment to peacebuilding through ethical journalism and outlined the specific contextual and capacity challenges local journalists face in their efforts to provide accurate and responsible reporting.
“In the digital age, we face unique and unprecedented challenges,” Chair Dahir stated. “While social media connects and informs, it can also amplify division and hostility, undermining peace and stability. Journalists must counter these trends by promoting responsible reporting that fosters unity, encourages constructive dialogue, and mitigates conflict. We must act collectively, swiftly, and decisively to ensure that media remains a force for peace.”
MAP reaffirmed its dedication to empowering journalists across Puntland and Somalia through targeted capacity-building initiatives. By equipping media professionals with the tools and knowledge to report sensitively in conflict-prone areas, MAP aims to strengthen the role of journalism as a driver of peace and stability. Leveraging the opportunity provided by the conference, MAP leadership engaged in high-level discussions with President Deni, Information Minister Mohamud Aideed, and State Spokesperson Jama Deperani.
The side-meeting provided a platform for addressing key legislative developments, including the consultative forum on the Puntland Access to Information Act, held earlier in September 2024.
“His Excellency when journalists are equipped with the right tools and access, we can elevate reporting standards and contribute to a more informed and peaceful Somali society,” Chair Dahir remarked. “We appreciate the Minister of Information’s recent collaboration with us, and we hope the approval and dissemination of the Information Act will proceed swiftly.
The outcomes of the PDRC conference solidified MAP’s ongoing mission to foster peace through committed, ethical journalism. With renewed energy, the association looks forward to implementing collaborative initiatives discussed at the event, particularly in combating misinformation and building strong partnerships with civil society and government entities.
MAP invites all stakeholders to join in its vision of a peaceful and informed Somalia, where the media serves as a powerful ally in the quest for harmony, development, and a brighter future for all.
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