In Bahrain’s on-going efforts to create a platform for social unity, the United Nations Development Project (UNDP) hosted a workshop for members of the Information Affairs Authority (IAA) on national reconciliation. In the IAAs commitment to meeting the recommendations of the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry, representatives from Bahrain Television (BTV), Bahrain Radio, Bahrain News Agency (BNA) and Media Relations participated in the workshop at the Diplomat Hotel.
The day-long workshop covered topics on conflict resolution and social reunification by examining case studies from many of the world’s conflict zones. Guided in analysing each example by the UN team, members of the IAA were able to decipher the crisis of each country, the obstacles they face in national reconciliation, and learn about successful approaches to reconciliation.
The workshop progressed to focus on Bahrain, the challenges it faces and the opportunities to reconcile the social divide as society progresses towards reform. Through group consensus, it was unanimously agreed that a dialogue that is inclusive of Bahrain’s broad political spectrum is the first step towards effective resolution.
Shaikh Fawaz Bin Mohammed AlKhalifa, President of the Information Affairs Authority, expressed appreciation for the hard work of the organizers and the dedication of IAA employees in attendance. He stressed the importance of the media’s role educating citizens on reconciliation, and the need to learn from examples in our history to efficiently move towards social unity.