Lalitpur: Vice President Ramsahay Prasad Yadav has highlighted the crucial role of media in addressing the pressing issue of climate change, describing it as the defining crisis of the current generation. He emphasized the need for media to actively participate in reducing the impact of climate change.
According to National News Agency Nepal, Vice President Yadav made these remarks during the inaugural session of the Lomanthang International Media Summit, organized by the Nepal Press Union in Lalitpur. He stressed the importance of fact-based reporting by the media to raise public awareness, inform policymakers, and promote technological solutions to problems exacerbated by climate change.
Vice President Yadav suggested that journalists have the ability to bring attention to critical issues such as environment-friendly technology, governmental efforts to mitigate climate impacts, adaptation initiatives, green energy, and sustainable development. He noted that such reporting plays a key role in combating misinformation and enhancing media professionalism.
He also underscored the role of press freedom as the backbone of democracy, emphasizing its necessity for ensuring accountability and transparency. He warned against the spread of baseless information via social media and the challenges posed by deepfake technology, calling for robust fact-checking systems.
In addition, Minister for Foreign Affairs Arzu Rana Deuba addressed the summit, advocating for the strengthening of press freedom and democracy. She expressed concern over the misuse of new media to disseminate fake news, which could undermine democratic foundations. Minister Deuba highlighted the importance of a press that fosters pluralism, criticism, and debates, asserting that such a press supports democracy, economic development, and social progress.