Gathering representatives from 13 media councils alongside policymakers, civil society actors, and media professionals, the event focused on the theme ‘Advancing Media and Communication Regulations for Journalism Excellence in Africa.’ The delegates emphasized the significant impact of digital platforms, and underscored the need for inclusive governance frameworks that actively involve the media sector.
The Summit reaffirmed the Council’s shared commitment to democracy, human rights, and development as essential foundations for journalistic excellence. The delegates voiced concern over the growing challenges to information integrity and freedom of expression posed by digital technologies and unregulated platforms. In response, they emphasised the urgency of developing African-specific digital governance principles that uphold freedom of expression, information integrity, platform accountability and equitable access, including for person with disabilities, to public service content and data.Â
Delivering the keynote address to the Summit, UNESCO’s Assistant Director-General for Communication and Information, Mr. Tawfik Jelassi, recalled the importance of promoting legal and policy frameworks that support media self-regulation, and the promotion of professional and independent journalism: