3rd National Languages Media Forum Opens in Kaya.

KAYA: The 3rd forum for the promotion of national languages in the media commenced in Kaya, the capital of the Center North region. Around twenty journalists are participating in this edition, which aims to enhance access to information and celebrate the linguistic and cultural diversity of Burkina Faso.According to Burkina Information Agency, during the forum's opening, the Minister of State, Minister of Communication, Culture, Arts and Tourism, Jean Emmanuel Ouédraogo, emphasized the importance of promoting Burkina Faso's mother tongues. Historically overshadowed by foreign languages, these native languages are crucial for maintaining cultural identity and ensuring that information is accessible to the broader population, many of whom do not speak French.Minister Ouédraogo, in a speech delivered by his technical advisor, Ms. Batouré Lamizana, highlighted several reasons for hosting the forum. These included enhancing access to information, preserving cultural identity, and mitigating the risks of disinf ormation, which can lead to conflicts. The forum serves as a platform for technicians, practitioners, journalists, and communicators to deliberate on the use and promotion of local languages, thereby fulfilling the citizens' right to information.The event, taking place from November 6 to 8, 2024, brings together participants primarily from the Center-North and Center regions. Coordinated by the General Directorate of Communication and Media (DGCM), the forum was first held in Ziniaré in 2022, followed by Tenkodogo in 2023.