{"id":36170,"date":"2019-02-19T08:07:05","date_gmt":"2019-02-19T12:07:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/?p=36170"},"modified":"2019-02-19T08:07:05","modified_gmt":"2019-02-19T12:07:05","slug":"united-nations-radio-still-a-powerful-worldwide-tool-for-dialogue-tolerance-and-peace","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/2019\/02\/united-nations-radio-still-a-powerful-worldwide-tool-for-dialogue-tolerance-and-peace\/","title":{"rendered":"United Nations: Radio still a powerful worldwide tool for \u2018dialogue, tolerance and peace\u2019"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"\"<\/a>

Post-earthquake, Ears To Our World radios continue to be a vital link for those in need in Haiti. Here, Erlande, who suffered a stroke in her early 30s and can barely walk, listens to one of our self-powered Et\u00f3n radios. (Photo: ETOW)<\/p><\/div>\n

(Source: United Nations News<\/a>\u00a0via Mike Hansgen)<\/p>\n

\u201cEven in today\u2019s world of digital communications,\u00a0radio reaches<\/a>\u00a0more people than any other media platform\u201d explained the UN chief, adding that it \u201cconveys vital information and raises awareness on important issues\u201d.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd it is a personal, interactive platform where people can air their views, concerns, and grievances\u201d he added, noting that radio \u201ccan create a community\u201d.<\/p>\n

UN Radio was established on 13 February 1946, and since 2013, the day has been commemorated to recognize radio as a powerful communication tool and a low-cost medium.<\/p>\n

\u201cFor the United Nations, especially our peacekeeping operations, radio is a vital way of informing, reuniting and empowering people affected by war\u201d, said Mr. Guterres.<\/p>\n

Despite the rise of the internet, many parts of the world, especially remote and vulnerable communities, have no access, making radio broadcasting via transmitters, a vital lifeline. Joining a community of local listeners, also provides a platform for public discussion, irrespective of education levels.<\/p>\n

Moreover, it has a strong and specific role in emergency communication and disaster relief.<\/p>\n

\u201cOn this World Radio Day, let us recognize the power of radio to promote dialogue, tolerance and peace\u201d, concluded the Secretary-General.<\/p>\n

Radio still sparking \u2018new conversations\u2019<\/h3>\n

The UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) underscored \u201cthe unique, far-reaching power of radio to broaden our horizons and build more harmonious societies\u201d.<\/p>\n

\u201cRadio stations from major international networks to community broadcasters today remember the importance of radio in stimulating public debate, increasing civic engagement and inspiring mutual understanding\u201d, UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay said in her message.<\/p>\n

Since its invention as the first wireless communication medium well over a hundred years ago, \u201cradio has sparked new conversations and broadcast new ideas into people\u2019s homes, villages, universities, hospitals and workplaces,\u201d she continued. \u201cTo this day, dialogue across the airwaves can offer an antidote to the negativity that sometimes seem to predominate online, which is why UNESCO works across the world to improve the plurality and diversity of radio stations\u201d.<\/p>\n

The UNESCO chief pointed out that radio has adapted to 21st century changes and offers new ways to participate in conversations that matter, retaining its role as \u201cone of the most reactive, engaging media there is\u201d, especially for the most disadvantaged.<\/p>\n

For example, she flagged that rural women constitute one of the most under-represented groups in the media and are twice as likely as men to be illiterate, \u201cso radio can be a critical lifeline to express themselves and access information\u201d.<\/p>\n

Ms. Azoulay made clear that \u201cUNESCO provides support to radio stations in sub-Saharan Africa that enable women to participate in public debate, including on often-neglected issues such as forced marriage, girls\u2019 education or childcare\u201d.<\/p>\n

Linguistic diversity, and people\u2019s right to express themselves on-air in their own languages, is also crucial \u2013 especially true in 2019 which has been designated by the International Year of Indigenous Languages by the UN.\u201cIn former conflict zones, radio can dispel fear and present the human face of former foes\u201d, she elaborated, citing North-West Colombia where community radios are healing old wounds \u201cby highlighting the good deeds of demobilized combatants, such as clearing polluted waterways\u201d.<\/p>\n

Around the world, the \u201cinclusion of diverse populations makes societies more resilient, more open and more peaceful\u201d, Ms. Azoulay spelled out.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe challenges we face \u2013 whether they be climate change, conflict or the rise in divisive views \u2013 increasingly depend on our ability to speak to each other and find common solutions\u201d, she concluded.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Click here to read this article at the UN News website.<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

(Source: United Nations News\u00a0via Mike Hansgen) \u201cEven in today\u2019s world of digital communications,\u00a0radio reaches\u00a0more people than any other media platform\u201d explained the UN chief, adding that it \u201cconveys vital information and raises awareness on important issues\u201d. \u201cAnd it is a personal, interactive platform where people can air their views, concerns, and grievances\u201d he added, noting […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":57,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[56,3],"tags":[3422,1688,622,623,102],"class_list":["post-36170","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-broadcasters","category-news","tag-mike-k8rat","tag-unesco-world-radio-day","tag-united-nations","tag-united-nations-radio","tag-why-radio"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/pn3uc-9po","jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":4664,"url":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/2012\/10\/radio-station-saq-special-transmission-on-united-nations-day-october-24\/","url_meta":{"origin":36170,"position":0},"title":"Radio Station SAQ special transmission on United Nations Day, October 24","author":"Thomas","date":"October 13, 2012","format":false,"excerpt":"(Source: SAQ via Alokesh Gupta) Transmission on United Nations Day We have the pleasure to announce that SAQ will be on air on United Nations Day, Wednesday 24th October. We start the transmitter about 10:10 UTC, and a message will be sent at 10:30 UTC. The frequency is 17.2 kHz\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Broadcasters"","block_context":{"text":"Broadcasters","link":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/category\/broadcasters\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/10\/SAQ%2Bsandare_svartvitt.jpg?resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":1970,"url":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/2011\/09\/unesco-proclaims-world-radio-day-february-13\/","url_meta":{"origin":36170,"position":1},"title":"UNESCO Proclaims World Radio Day – February 13","author":"Thomas","date":"September 30, 2011","format":false,"excerpt":"UNESCO\u2019s Executive Board approved item 13 of its provisional agenda \u201cProclamation of a World Radio Day\u201d to be celebrated each February 13th. The Executive\u2019s decision is as follows: Recommends to the [UNESCO] General Conference that it proclaim a World Radio Day and that this Day be celebrated on 13 February,\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Current Events"","block_context":{"text":"Current Events","link":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/category\/current-events\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/09\/unesco_logo_en-300x280.jpg?resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":15142,"url":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/2015\/10\/special-grimeton-broadcast-on-united-nations-day\/","url_meta":{"origin":36170,"position":2},"title":"Special Grimeton broadcast on United Nations Day","author":"Thomas","date":"October 12, 2015","format":false,"excerpt":"(Source: Southgate ARC) Extra Grimeton Radio\/SAQ transmission There will be a transmission with the Alexanderson VLF alternator on 17.2 kHz on 'United Nations Day' October 24th, 2015 at 10:00 UTC (12:00 local time). Start up and tuning from about 09:30 UTC. This time we do not require any QSL-reports and\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "News"","block_context":{"text":"News","link":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/category\/news\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"450px-grimeton_vlf_mast_row1","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2009\/11\/450px-grimeton_vlf_mast_row1.jpg?resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":64022,"url":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/2025\/09\/carlos-illustrated-radio-listening-report-and-recording-of-all-india-radio-september-25-2025\/","url_meta":{"origin":36170,"position":3},"title":"Carlos\u2019 Illustrated Radio Listening Report and Recording of All India Radio (September 25, 2025)","author":"Thomas","date":"September 25, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"Many thanks to\u00a0SWLing Post\u00a0contributor and noted political cartoonist,\u00a0Carlos Latuff, who shares the following\u00a0illustrated radio listening report of a recent AIR broadcast. Carlos notes: Discours de Trump \u00e0 l'Assembl\u00e9e g\u00e9n\u00e9rale des Nations Unies, All India Radio, 9620 kHz \"...The annual United Nations General Assembly has begun in New York. Discussions regarding\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Art"","block_context":{"text":"Art","link":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/category\/art-2\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Latuff-UN-1.jpeg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Latuff-UN-1.jpeg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Latuff-UN-1.jpeg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Latuff-UN-1.jpeg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Latuff-UN-1.jpeg?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":65320,"url":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/2026\/02\/happy-world-radio-day-2026-celebrating-80-years-since-un-radios-first-broadcast\/","url_meta":{"origin":36170,"position":4},"title":"Happy World Radio Day 2026: Celebrating 80 Years Since UN Radio\u2019s First Broadcast","author":"Thomas","date":"February 13, 2026","format":false,"excerpt":"Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor Carlos Latuff, who shares a reminder that today \u2014 February 13 \u2014 marks World Radio Day, celebrated each year on the anniversary of the moment United Nations Radio first went on the air 80 years ago. This UN News article highlights radio\u2019s enduring role\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "International Broadcasting"","block_context":{"text":"International Broadcasting","link":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/category\/international-broadcasting\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/02\/WorldRadioDay.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/02\/WorldRadioDay.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/02\/WorldRadioDay.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":34637,"url":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/2018\/10\/why-shortwave-radio-makes-an-idea-a-powerful-weapon\/","url_meta":{"origin":36170,"position":5},"title":"Why shortwave radio makes an idea “a powerful weapon”","author":"Thomas","date":"October 27, 2018","format":false,"excerpt":"Many thanks to SWLing Post contributors Rich Cuff and Mike Hansgen who share the following Op Ed piece from the Sydney Morning Herald: Warning: put down any power tools and ensure you\u2019re not operating heavy machinery before you read the next sentence. We\u2019ve been outflanked! Of course, unless you\u2019re completely\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "International Broadcasting"","block_context":{"text":"International Broadcasting","link":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/category\/international-broadcasting\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/Digitech-AR-1780-keypad-closeup-radio-dial-1024x768.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/Digitech-AR-1780-keypad-closeup-radio-dial-1024x768.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/Digitech-AR-1780-keypad-closeup-radio-dial-1024x768.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x"},"classes":[]}],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/36170","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/57"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=36170"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/36170\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=36170"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=36170"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=36170"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}