- BACK TO THE GFMD WEBSITE+ SUBSCRIBE TO THE GFMD IMPACT NEWSLETTER

Key insights from the meeting

Key insights from the meeting prepared by United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

Key insights

The Human Development Report 23/24 highlights the critical need for reimagining cooperation in an increasingly polarized world, emphasizing the concept of a democracy paradox, where there is strong support for democratic values despite growing appeal for authoritarian leaderships. This paradox reflects the broader challenge of the perceived lack of individual agency, as many feel disconnected from political decision-making. The report finds that while there is a high willingness among the public for collective action on issues like climate change, cooperation often fails due to a misalignment of expectations and misperceptions about others' willingness to engage. The media’s role remains critical in bridging these perception gaps, promoting accurate information, and fostering an inclusive public sphere to strengthen democratic governance. At the same time, media must adapt to rapidly changing environments, particularly in conflict situations, supporting information dissemination and community cohesion through tailored local initiatives.

10 lessons learnt

  1. High support for democracy can co-exist with rising support for authoritarian leaders, signalling a need to address public dissatisfaction with democratic processes and a lack of personal agency.

  2. Although there is broad public support for tackling global issues like climate change through collective action, perceived discrepancies in others’ willingness to act can hinder cooperation, hinting at the importance of aligning expectations for collective action.

  3. High-quality, accurate media is critical for upholding democratic governance, the rule of law, and peacebuilding, as it helps bridge divisions and clarify intentions among diverse groups.

  4. Media ownership often reflects specific interests, consolidating power and limiting objectivity, which can exacerbate misinformation and fuel polarization.

  5. Increasing attacks on journalists and shrinking civic space underscore the need for strengthening protections that allow media to operate freely and independently.

  6. Media initiatives using diverse formats, such as multi-media shows and youth-led storytelling, encourage the youth to voice their unique perspective, as being part of a divided society but often detached from the legacy of historical context. These efforts don't only foster connections amongst the youth but also plant the seeds for healing and reconciliation.

  7. Tailoring media initiatives to local contexts by amplifying the voice of local leaders is essential for effectiveness and relevance, helping ensure that these efforts resonate with the intended audience.

  8. Initiatives such as the Youth Talk supported by the SFCG in South Sudan and the Great Lakes Generation Radio Show demonstrate that cross-cultural media can be effective in building shared understanding and replacing "us vs. them" attitudes with a collective sense of identity.

  9. Fondation Hirondelle’s work employing various media channels emphasizes the importance of reaching diverse audiences with balanced reporting to foster social cohesion.

  10. Collaborations between media and ethical businesses and/or independent organizations can support sustainable media practices that uphold democracy, strengthen public trust and counter polarization.

Appendix II:

Follow-up Resources:

PreviousUNDP–GFMD-SFCG Webinar: Media actors and the (de)construction of the ‘other’ (Oct. 2024)NextSpeakers

Last updated