Photography : ©Pati Grabowicz
On Thursday 22 January, the Fondation Hirondelle took part in the 10th edition of the Basel Peace Forum, organized by swisspeace. The forum provides a space for exchange bringing together actors engaged in peacebuilding efforts around the world.
Sacha Meuter, Head of Research and Policy at the Fondation Hirondelle, took part in the panel entitled “Local media as a catalyst for trust and social cohesion in fragile contexts”—moderated by Caroline Vuillemin, Director General of the Fondation Hirondelle. He was joined by Gaëlle Nizery, Head of the EU Rapid Response Team for Sub-Saharan Africa and peacebuilding and conflict prevention issues, and Donatella Rostagno, Peacebuilding Programme Coordinator at Interpeace.
The panel examined the role of local media in strengthening trust, which is essential to building and sustaining peace at different levels, including dialogue and mediation between differing viewpoints. Can peacebuilding actors work with local media to strengthen their actions and consolidate public trust in peace processes? How can they rely on these media to build bridges between divergent positions in fragile contexts?
Participants agreed on the need to work in a transparent and impartial manner, noting that such approaches foster trust-building, even though they require time. Local media are essential for giving a voice to communities, highlighting their expectations and perspectives on peace. Journalists help restore dignity and humanity to victims by conveying their lived experiences and realities. Supporting local media and including them in conflict prevention and peacebuilding projects is “not an option, but a must,” Gaëlle Nizery notably emphasised.