SAARC Member Countries Endorse to Mark SAARC Media Day

November 12, 2011

Ref: 427-BC/MS/2011/14

12^th November 2011

Media Statement

SAARC Member Countries Endorse to Mark SAARC Media Day

The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) has declared to mark “SAARC Media Day“ and in that context to convene a regional conference in the region, in response to Maldives’ bid to mark a SAARC Broadcasting Day.  The decision was adopted by the Member Countries of SAARC at the 17th SAARC Summit which was concluded in the Addu City from the 10-11 of this month.

The concept of marking a SAARC Broadcasting Day was initially proposed by the Maldives Broadcasting Commission in August this year which was warmly received by the Maldivian Government. The idea to mark such a day was proposed by the Commission with the aim of strengthening relations among the SAARC countries through broadcast and other media and developing the media of the SAARC region as a whole through knowledge sharing in this field. In line with ‘Building Bridges’, the theme of the 17th SAARC Summit, the marking of the SAARC Media Day would create people-to-people linkages through broadcasters and other media by promoting cultural understanding among the peoples of SAARC countries with the concept of unity in diversity.

Other objectives of marking the day include, valuing the role and responsibilities of broadcasters and other media in promoting democratic ideals, in nation building, in shaping societies and promoting peace and harmony in the region, making a consolidated effort at regional level for the development of broadcasters and establishing a mechanism where broadcasters and other media from SAARC countries share their content.

 The date of the SAARC Media Day, which was proposed to be marked annually, will be decided by the Member Countries of the SAARC.