World Bank Country Manager Josephine Wallace has pledged her institution’s commitment in working with Liberian media.
Madam Wallace also recognized the pivotal role of publishers and media institutions play in the development of the society.
She spoke at the weekend occasion that marked the induction of the induction ceremony of the newly elected officials of the Publishers Association of Liberia (PAL) over the weekend in Monrovia.
Madam Wallace cautioned the officials to hold fast the Association’s core values, invest in the next generation of leaders; recognize the Association’s role in shaping Liberia’s narrative and future.
Madam Wallace: “As newly inducted officials, you are uniquely poised to participate, lead, and contribute to the ongoing success and evolution of the publishing field in the country.”
“From the standpoint of the World Bank, we believe that development is everybody’s business. Public information is so important to accountability and transparency. This is part of what motivates World Bank policies and practices around Access to Information, Citizens’ Engagement and more. We have learned over time that development is better when citizens are informed and engaged.”
Ultimately, this is what we care most about: delivering results, and particularly building foundations for more and better jobs in the country, the focus of the new World Bank Group Country Partnership Framework that we will launch in the coming weeks,” she said.
Madam Wallace cautioned PAL leadership to serve the association with values, excellence, dedication, integrity and the importance of community as the publishing sector can serve as anchors in the rapidly changing landscape for publishing/media.
From the rise of social and digital media to the tremendous responsibilities of publishing/reporting through hard copies of your newspapers, you are at the forefront of adapting to the changing narratives of the new media. Your cores value will serve you well, including promote collaboration and innovation along with creativity and professionalism over the years to come.
Madam Wallace therefore called on the newly inducted officials to make it their priority to harness the unique strength, by investing time and mentorship in the next generation of publishing and media leaders will position these sectors at the leading edge of change.
Madam Wallace: “By nurturing young journalists, you will help to cultivate their commitment to excellence and truth telling and publishing space.”
she added: “Recognize the vital role you play in shaping Liberia’s narrative and future. Here, we would highlight the continued importance of efforts to promote transparency and accountability, which are key for sustaining Liberia’s cherished peace and promoting development.”
”Publishers are an integral part of the society, and your various audiences depend largely on you for adequately informing them about developments. We are all accountable. Journalists/publishers are no exception.”