World Bank, Moroccan Diplomat To Address PUL Anniversary

This year’s Press Union of Liberia (PUL) 62^nd celebration will be characterized by speeches from the World Band and a Moroccan Diplomat.

For today’s (Sept 30) 62^nd anniversary, PUL has marked a series of activities in Monrovia under the theme: “62 Years On: Empowering Independent Media for Democracy, Accountability and Sustainable Development.”

The anniversary will bring together journalists, media practitioners, students, government officials, civil society organizations, diplomats, and other stakeholders for a grand parade, indoor program, panel discussion and celebratory reception.

Ms. Georgia Wallen, Country Manager of the World Bank Group in Liberia, will deliver the keynote motivational address at the indoor anniversary program.

Ms. Wallen’s address will be followed by a panel discussion focusing on the role of independent media in promoting democracy, accountability and sustainable development.

Panelists will include Counselor Medina Wesseh, Senior Counsel at the International Law Group, and Lahoucine Rahmouni, Chargé d’Affaires at the Embassy of the Kingdom of Morocco.

The discussion is expected to examine key challenges confronting the media sector, while highlighting the contribution of journalism to democratic governance, public accountability and national development.

Representatives of government institutions, civil society organizations, and academic institutions are also expected to deliver complimentary remarks.

The anniversary activities will begin with the arrival of participants at the University of Liberia Capitol Hill Campus between 8:30 a.m. and 9:00 a.m., followed by a grand parade scheduled for 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

The parade will proceed from Capitol Hill to the Clar Marie Weah Events Hall at the Center for National Documents and Records Agency, commonly known as the National Archives, on 12^th Street in Sinkor.

The indoor program will run from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., followed by a reception at the PUL headquarters on Warner Avenue, 9^th Street, Sinkor, from 2:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Ahead of the anniversary, PUL on Monday, September 28, welcomed BBC journalist Jacob Evans, who arrived in Liberia with a delegation from Mary’s Meals International to produce a documentary marking the organization’s 20^th anniversary.

The delegation included Alex Keay, Director of Partnerships, and Paloma Garcia Ovejero, Head of Media and Editorial.

PUL President Julius Kanubah said, the engagement highlights the important role of journalism, and humanitarian organizations in promoting human development as the Union prepares to mark 62 years of service to the media community.