The Sudan Media Forum stresses the vital role of independent radio in enhancing public awareness of climate change on World Radio Day. Radio has historically provided essential communication and education in Sudan while documenting cultural heritage. Current environmental challenges necessitate a proactive response from Sudanese radio stations to educate the public and promote sustainable practices. Support for these stations is crucial for fostering peace and a brighter future in the country.
On February 13, every year, the global community observes World Radio Day, an event recognized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO). This day highlights the crucial role of radio in fostering freedom of expression, ensuring access to information, supporting cultural diversity, and facilitating dialogue among different societies. The history of media development shows that radio, emerging in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, greatly transformed communication, particularly in reaching audiences in remote areas and enhancing public discourse.
Sudanese citizens first encountered radio during World War II, when British colonial authorities utilized it for mobilization and communication. By the early 1940s, radio services commenced in Sudan, quickly evolving into the most significant media channel in the country. Its affordability and technical simplicity facilitated widespread ownership among the populace, making it an essential presence in homes nationwide.
In Sudan, radio has served multiple purposes over the decades, including distance education, health advisories, and agricultural guidance, while also supporting economic and social development initiatives. Additionally, it has played a vital role in documenting and sharing the cultural and artistic heritage of various Sudanese groups. Over time, it has emerged as a primary medium for shaping public opinion, exemplified by prominent broadcaster Ihab Al-Azhari’s book title: “People are Religious to Their Radios.”
This year, World Radio Day 2025 adopts the theme “Radio and Climate Change,” underscoring radio’s instrumental role in fostering climate awareness, endorsing sustainable practices, and initiating community conversations on environmental issues. Given its extensive reach, especially in isolated regions, radio proves to be a crucial tool in disseminating critical information relating to climate challenges and raising public consciousness about detrimental environmental practices.
Sudan currently grapples with severe environmental challenges, further exacerbated by ongoing conflict that has severely damaged infrastructure and resulted in vast displacements. In this precarious situation, Sudanese radio stations are called upon to take a leading role in alerting citizens about these environmental risks and providing essential guidance on disaster mitigation and improvement of ecological conditions.
The Sudanese Media Forum strongly advocates for the role of radio in societal service and highlights the urgent need to enhance support for independent Sudanese radio stations. These stations are vital for carrying out their mission of promoting climate awareness, advocating for peace, and contributing to the establishment of a more promising future for Sudan. This joint statement has been distributed across various media platforms and through organizations affiliated with the Sudan Media Forum.
In conclusion, the Sudan Media Forum emphasizes the significance of independent radio in addressing critical environmental issues in Sudan. The commemoration of World Radio Day signals the opportunity to utilize radio as a powerful platform for promoting awareness about climate change and fostering community engagement in sustainable practices. By supporting local radio efforts, the Forum believes it is possible to mitigate climate challenges and contribute to peace in the region.
Original Source: www.dabangasudan.org
