2008 is the first year that RCSS, the Regional Secretariat for South Asia, has developed a campaign to mark the International Peace Day across the region. It identified that before, during and after conflict, the media can create such an impact on the public that it can change opinions to make drastic changes in society and on the conflict itself. The media, in the modern era, is indisputably an instrument of war and the campaign focused on transforming this as a vehicle for peace. RCSS will be collaborating through their in-country media focal points and partners in the region to bring about a shift to the opinion of the media on the importance of responsible reporting of conflict and communicating peace. Conflict Sensitive Journalism Workshops have been lined up in Kathmandu, Islamabad and New Delhi, with each workshop adopting an intervention that suits the country’s contemporary arena of conflict and politics. Apart from this, a colourful flyer will attract the attention of media and civil society organizations.

Sri Lanka : 

Together with GPPAC's Focal Point, Young Asia TV produced an English music production reaching out to a generation that has been born into and grown up with the war and conflict - the youth. Young Asia TV and GPPAC embarked on this initiative to promote peace, through the power of youth and music. The project is designed to encourage young people from both sides of the conflict to use discussion and dialogue towards positive change. The music video would be launched on the 21st September, 2008 and can be accessed afterwards at the GPPAC YouTube account and on this page.

Nilakshi Gunatillake nil_scotiasl@yahoo.com 

India : 

RCSS, GPPAC and Centre for Culture, Media and Governance at Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, held a workshop titled ‚Communicating Peace'. The workshop dealt with Media Portrayal of War and Conflict: Representation and Reality, Does Media have a Role in Conflict Prevention?, Media in Peace Building and Resolving Conflict and Peace Journalism: Alternative Paradigms of Reportage. The participants were journalists, social activists, experts in conflict management, scholars and human right activists.

Ithiko Kaisii lkaisoo@yahoo.co.in

Pakistan : 

RCSS, GPPAC and Islamabad Policy Research Institute, Pakistan, recently held a workshop for members of the Pakistani media to reflect upon the Pros and Cons of Conflict Sensitive Journalism and analysed the Multi-dimensional Approaches to Conflict Resolution and Medias Role in Promoting Culture of Peace and Tolerance.

Muhammed Munir munirwarsi@yahoo.com