11 September 2013 - To increase awareness of the mandate of UNMISS, the Mission's office in Upper Nile State organized a one-day forum for local journalists and communications officers in the state capital Malakal today.

Twenty-five participants from local media houses and government institutions attended the meeting.

Philip Awou Mayik, Director General of the State Ministry of Information and Communication, and UNMISS State Coordinator Deborah Schein also attended the meeting.

"As members of the media, you have very important responsibilities," said Ms. Schein. "You (need) to maintain (high) levels of professionalism and report accurately."

She added that through such practices, the media would assist the local population to understand better developments in the state and the country.