UNESCO Highlights Journalistic Role in Tackling Yemen’s Environmental Challenges

The first session of the third day of the Third Yemeni Media Conference focused on verification tools and the use of data in covering environmental and climate issues in Yemen, attended by over 200 participants

The session, moderated by Mustafa Nasr, Chairman of SEMC, featured Najib Mokni, a UNESCO communications specialist. Mokni emphasized the critical role of verification tools in reporting on climate, energy, and environmental issues, stressing the value of data in enhancing journalistic impact.

He highlighted Yemen’s escalating environmental crises, including recent floods and natural disasters in regions like the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. These issues, combined with climate change, have worsened living conditions and increased risks for journalists covering the events.

Mokni addressed the urgent need for protection mechanisms for journalists, citing increased violations, including threats to their safety. He emphasized the responsibility of the media in raising public awareness and documenting these environmental challenges.

To support this, SEMC has launched the Climate and Energy Transition Journalism Network, connecting over 200 Yemeni journalists to foster collaboration between journalists, experts, and information sources. The network aims to strengthen reporting capacities and improve environmental coverage.

Mokni provided practical advice to journalists on overcoming financial, political, and legal obstacles. He stressed the importance of building alliances with global, regional, and local experts to enhance journalistic effectiveness. He also highlighted resources offered by UNESCO, including studies and tools that help journalists improve investigative skills and protect themselves in dangerous situations.

During the session, Mokni presented alarming statistics on violations against environmental journalists. Between 2009 and 2023, 749 violations were reported globally, with 17 violations in Yemen in early 2024. He also noted that 44 environmental journalists were killed between 2005 and 2016.

The session concluded with an interactive discussion, where participating journalists expressed gratitude for the support and training provided to help them cover critical environmental issues.

These efforts are crucial in empowering journalists to raise awareness about Yemen’s pressing climate challenges.

To watch the full session, click here