1 October 2013 - Aiming to promote free and independent media in South Sudan, UNMISS held a one-day training workshop for officials from Central Equatoria State government ministries in Juba today.

Working on the grounds that an open, functional and transparent government was essential for free press, the mission’s Spokesperson and Media Relations Unit organized the training for 20 diplomats, directors and press officers.

The workshop covered daily work of a press office like dealing with the media, writing press materials and using social media.

“The importance of social media makes us think about how to share information,” said Daniel Dunyo, an official from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, who said his ministry had no website.

“I (will) go back and talk to the minister about the importance of social media,” he added.

UNMISS chief Hilde F. Johnson said officials had a vital role to play in helping the media and public understand the government’s agenda and activities.

She urged participants, drawn from such key ministries as Information and Broadcasting, Cabinet Affairs, Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, and Petroleum and Mining Industries, to make every effort to do this.

“The workshop was important because before we knew just the (basics) of the work,” said Miriam Maneno, from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.

“Now we know the details and have (gained) the (skills) to deal with news … and get access to our leaders to (get important stories into the media),” he said.