Role of state institutions and media during emergencies discussed at OSCE course in Turkmenistan

The OSCE Centre in Ashgabat organized an online training course on interaction between state institutions and media in informing the public about security issues during emergencies from 4 to 5 July 2022.

The two-day event was attended by representatives responsible for providing news coverage of state organizations and ministries, including the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry, the State Border, Customs and Migration Services of Turkmenistan, the Civil Defence and Rescue Operations Directorate of the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Justice, National Red Crescent Society, the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Population of Turkmenistan, as well as lecturers of journalism faculties of higher education institutions and journalists  representing the country’s print, broadcast and online media. .

International experts from Kazakhstan and Lithuania highlighted the principles of communication between organizations and media, the importance and specifics of crisis communication, as well as forms and methods of media messages. The experts also shared their countries' experiences on informing the public during emergencies and discussed how to draw public attention.

Opening the session, John MacGregor, Head of the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat, said: “State institutions and media are playing a key role in keeping society informed during emergencies.”

“This event is organized as part of the Centre’s support in enhancing professional capacities of journalists and communication specialists to work in the modern environment and we are committed to continuing our co-operation with the host country in this important area,” added MacGregor.