Highlights on IRDED Conference

The PAO gave a speech June 27 at a conference organized by IRDED ( the Institute of Research for Democracy and the Rule of Law).  The conference addressed the need for ethics and a professional code of conduct for Guinean journalists.  In his speech, the PAO noted that freedom of the press is paramount, and governments should not use ethics, or the lack thereof, as an excuse to clamp down on the media.  He also noted the four principles elaborated by the U.S. Society of Professional Journalists: seek truth and report it, minimize harm, act independently, and be accountable.  The PAO participated in a panel discussion with the British Ambassador, the president of IRDED, and the director of the school of journalism.  The event resulted in radio and television coverage.