Pant addresses special session in Germany to highlight the role of media in peace-building
MUNSTER/October 29: By giving voice to peace advocates, the media can help change the narrative and when used responsibly, it has the potential to break down stereotypes and build empathy, shared Laxman Datt Pant, Chairperson of Media Action Nepal. He was addressing a special session “Let ́s talk – Peace beyond Borders” organized on the occasion of the 375 years of Westphalian peace in Germany by the STADT Munster and Munster University Model United Nations (MUIMUN) to discuss challenges for peace across the world.
Journalists can act as watchdogs, holding governments and institutions accountable for their actions. This oversight can discourage violence and promote peaceful negotiations, Pant added.
Elmar Theveßen, the head of the ZDF studio Washington D.C. and Kerstin Zahlten from Münster’s MUIMUN moderated the session where they brought together diverse views on peace in a multipolar world. Along with Pant, Leymah Gbowee, the Nobel Peace Laureate (2011), Sher Malik, MUN coach of young diplomats, Halil Tomur: MUIMUN Teamer, Markus Lenzen, UN Global Peace Fund Manager and Prof. Ummu Salma Bava joined the panel to share their perspectives on approaches to peace building.
The media can help change the narrative and when used responsibly, it has the potential to break down stereotypes and build empathy.
Sharing her struggle to empower women and promote gender equality in Africa Gbowee said, “It is important to demolish mental boundaries to deal seriously with other people and cultures.” If you have a dream, hold on to it and if your parents think you’re crazy because of this, you’re on the right path, she added.
The panel discussion connected diverse viewpoints and explored the profound concept of peace in the complex global landscape. Each expert brought a unique perspective highlighting the diversity in the perception and pursuit of peace worldwide.
Photos : StadtMunster