23 October 2012 - Pristina - At the core of the United Nation’s Millennium Development Goals lies the task of eliminating extreme poverty. Marking the end of “Poverty Eradication Week 2012”, UN agencies, embassies and liaison offices, representatives of civil society, the media representatives and local artists gathered on 23 October at the "National Theatre" in Pristina for the seventh annual Journalism Poverty Prize ceremony.

 

In collaboration with the Association of Professional Journalists of Kosovo, the United Nations Kosovo Team and United Nations Development Programme organized the ceremony to encourage journalists and media outlets to continue reporting on poverty-related issues; to expose gaps, inconsistencies, and challenges, while highlighting innovative solutions. The event aimed to acknowledge and celebrate media reporting on social, institutional, and cultural issues which are central to the ongoing problem of poverty.

 

UN Development Coordinator Osnat Lubrani spoke about drawing attention to issues of poverty in Kosovo, noting the importance of freedom of expression and political participation. Lubrani also stressed the significance of Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s address to this event on occasion of the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty.

 

Four prizes for the best stories on poverty in TV, radio, photography and web were awarded and the presentation of a special award to journalists who made a profound and significant contribution to the alleviation of poverty in the developing world throughout their working life.The event also featured interpretive dance performances and the premiere of the short film “Mother” featuring actress and Millennium Development Goal Champion, Arta Dobroshi.