MONROVIA – The Press Union of Liberia has called on the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations to increase investment in both mainstream and digital media platforms to enhance the visibility and effectiveness of its programs throughout West Africa.
The appeal came on Monday during the opening ceremony of a five-day sub-regional workshop focused on strengthening collaboration and capacity among FAO communication units across the region.
Speaking at the event, held at the RLJ Kenedja Resort and Villas, PUL President Julius Kanubah emphasized that communication serves as a fundamental driver of behavioral change and societal progress.
“The FAO’s work is vital to the economic, environmental, and social security of nations,” Kanubah stated. “Communicating these impacts is essential to empowering vulnerable populations and advancing agriculture.”
The PUL president urged the FAO to move beyond passive communication strategies and instead adopt a proactive approach to engaging the public on the importance of its programs, particularly in areas such as sustainable agriculture, hunger reduction, and food security improvement.
The workshop, organized under the auspices of the FAO Sub-Regional Office for West Africa and the FAO Representation in Liberia, has brought together nineteen communication specialists from twelve West African countries.
Participating nations include Benin, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Côte d’Ivoire, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Togo.
Discussions at the gathering are covering a range of critical topics, including effective coordination, impactful storytelling, audio-visual production, digital communication, advocacy and media engagement, and strategies for improved organizational visibility.
The PUL further noted that by strengthening its communication units, the FAO could significantly amplify its visibility, foster greater public trust, and inspire collective action across the West African region.
The workshop continues through Friday, with participants expected to develop actionable strategies for enhancing the FAO’s communication outreach in their respective countries.
