By Otto Abut
A three-day National Media Forum held under the theme “Sustainability beyond Donor Reliance” concluded on Thursday, 18th December 202,5 with a strong call for collective institutional action to combat hate speech in South Sudan.
The forum brought together media professionals, civil society organizations, government officials, and development partners to reflect on the role of the media in fostering national cohesion and supporting sustainable development.
Participants shared experiences and strategies aimed at strengthening ethical journalism, addressing funding constraints in the media sector, and promoting constructive public discourse.
Speaking during the closing session, the Minister of Information, Communication Technology, and Postal Services, Hon. Ateny Wek Ateny, emphasized that peacebuilding is a shared responsibility that cannot be left to one institution alone. He underscored the need for collaboration among journalists, community leaders, educators, youth and women leaders, faith-based institutions, and peace advocates.
“Peace must be spoken into existence. Unity must be communicated in our communities, and cohesion must be practiced through our words and actions,” the minister said, urging participants to uphold civility, empathy, and responsible dialogue in both public and private spaces.
Hon. Ateny reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting the media sector and emphasized the critical role of journalists and community actors in combating hate speech, misinformation, and disinformation that threaten peace and social harmony. He noted that responsible media practice is essential in shaping a peaceful, unified, and inclusive future for South Sudan.
Meanwhile, the Managing Director of the Media Authority, Elijah Alier, reiterated the institution’s commitment to promoting inclusive media practices while explicitly prohibiting hate speech and other forms of harmful content. He stressed that media laws are not merely symbolic but are designed to protect the rights and dignity of citizens.
The forum concluded with a renewed commitment from stakeholders to strengthen collaboration, uphold ethical journalism, and ensure the sustainability of the media sector beyond donor dependence, while actively contributing to peace and national unity in South Sudan.