UNESCO and the government of Japan increases support for the Journalists’ Solidarity Centers network

This was announced by Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Ukraine Matsuda Kuninori, and UNESCO Kyiv Liaison Officer Chiara Dezzi Bardeschi during a meeting with representatives of the Journalists’ Solidarity Centers at the main office of the National Union of Journalists of Ukraine (NUJU).

Matsuda Kuninori noted the importance of mass media in Ukraine during the war.

“Thanks to your efforts, we know what is really happening both on the battlefield and in the surrounding cities and towns. Therefore, the Japanese government has decided to cooperate with UNESCO to provide financial support for the Journalists’ Solidarity Centers network,” he added.

Chiara Dezzi Bardeschi emphasized that thanks to the partnership with the Union, it was possible to support 160 journalists.

“We aim to scale up activities and attract new initiatives, support a larger number of journalists… In addition, we will be able to provide 200 small grants to journalists and journalistic associations so that they can continue their professional activities,” she said.

During the meeting, a new tradition was introduced for the honored guests of NUJU – to make entries in the Book of Friends of the Union.

“Deep respect and sincere admiration for the important work you are doing as a contribution to Ukraine’s victory in this war,” the ambassador wrote.

“Thank you for the work that you, the journalists, the Journalists’ Solidarity Centers are doing with the support of UNESCO,” wrote the representative of UNESCO in Ukraine.

As Sergiy Tomilenko, the President of the NUJU, emphasized, from now on, all distinguished guests of the Union will be invited to make an entry in the Book.

NUJU information service