SAARC Nations Urged to Back Journalism in Mother Tongues

SAARC countries have been urged to formulate inclusive media policies to protect and promote journalism in mother tongues. The call came through a seven-point resolution adopted in the Kathmandu Declaration at the closing of a two-day International Conference on Mother Tongue Journalism.

The declaration stressed the need for state support and policy-level commitment from SAARC heads of government. It recommended allocating increased budgetary support to develop and sustain media outlets operating in local and indigenous languages.

The resolutions also called for recognising tribal and indigenous language journalism as a tool for cultural preservation and social justice. It emphasised ensuring these communities have access to platforms to voice their concerns and receive relevant information.

Organised by the National Forum of Newar Journalists in collaboration with the SAARC Journalist Forum (SJF) and the Federation of Nepal Indigenous Journalists (FONIJ), the conference brought together journalists from across the region.

The event was inaugurated by Nepalese Speaker Devraj Ghimire on Friday and concluded by Madhyapur Thimi Municipality Mayor Surendra Shrestha on Saturday.

The declaration also recommended regular training programmes, workshops, and fellowships for mother tongue journalists. It appealed to UN agencies and development partners to prioritise support for mother tongue journalism in terms of funding, technical assistance, and capacity building.

At the closing ceremony, Mayor Shrestha said the conference had significantly contributed to the promotion of mother tongue journalism.

Speaking the function, SJF President Raju Lama urged all stakeholders to take immediate steps to implement the resolutions and called on SAARC governments to support future initiatives.

FONIJ President Lucky Chaudhary, SJF Secretary General Md Abdur Rahman (Bangladesh), SJF Bihar Chapter President Dr Shashi Bhushan Kumar, conference coordinator Sunil Maharjan, and NFNJ Secretary General KK Manandhar also highlighted the importance of preserving and promoting native language journalism.

The declaration noted that the resolutions would be officially submitted to the heads of SAARC nations, with a strong appeal to increase national budget allocations and promote awareness through sustained dialogue with stakeholders.