United Nations Information Centre (UNIC) in Islamabad held an advance discussion forum with the heads of national and international print and electronic media, on 6 August 2009. The Humanitarian Coordinator, a.i Wolfgang Herbinge, along with a team of leading UN Communication specialists including UNIC, OCHA, WFP, UNICEF shared the background information and significance of the World Humanitarian Day with media representatives. Media appreciated the United Nations’ initiative to involve them in the planning and advocacy of the event in advance.
Participants of the Press Conference to commemorate World Humanitarian Day
UNIC arranged the translation of the public information materials, including the UN Secretary General’s message of into Urdu and widely disseminated to both English and Urdu audience, including media, government, non-governmental organizations and humanitarian community.
UNIC coordinated with UN Humanitarian Communication focal points and arranged for exclusive interviews. A private broadcaster, FM100 run a two-hour live talk show on 18 August 2009. UNIC also arranged for an exclusive broadcast of the public service announcements (in local and national language) at the Voice of America.
On 19 August, UNIC hosted a Press Conference to commemorate World Humanitarian Day and provided its every communication and coordination support for the event. The Head Coordinator, Martin Mogwanja, and two representatives from a national and international NGOs addressed the press conference. A large number of media attended the press conference.