ITU awards WSIS Champion Prize 2024 recognizing pioneering role of community radios in disaster response and community resilience

International Telecommunication Union (ITU) has awarded the globally recognized WSIS Champion Prize 2024 under the media category to the Association of Community Radio Broadcasters (ACORAB), umbrella organization of 382 community radio stations of Nepal, coinciding with the World Summit of Information Society (WSIS) + Forum High-Level Event held from 27 to 31 May 2024 in Geneva. ACORAB did not only demonstrate the powerful role of local community radios in disaster management and enhancing community resilience in times of crisis but also made substantial contributions toward achieving several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Since 2012, ITU has been awarding this prize to the best of the initiatives taken worldwide to achieve the SDGs using information and communication technology. Following a devastating earthquake of 6.4 magnitude that hit western part of Nepal on November 3, 2023, resulting in severe casualties and damage, ACORAB with the financial support of UNESCO and UNDP, swiftly responded by empowering all local radio stations and media organizations. This initiative helped the community radio stations to recover, build resilient, and independently resume their critical services, counter misinformation and promote transparency, and play a constructive role during the relief and recovery stages of the earthquake. The project significantly boosted morale and equipped local journalists and restored seamless broadcasting of their radio stations to continue their crucial role in serving earthquake-affected communities. More importantly, the radio stations improved communication channels as well as boosted ownership among the earthquake-affected communities, local authorities, and relief organizations, showcasing collaborative efforts in disaster management. This initiative also helped to build trust and cooperation, and enable provision of relief materials and government services which are essential for effective disaster response and recovery. The community radios ensured information and relief materials reach marginalized and vulnerable groups, reducing inequalities in access to information and services. With the passage of time, several health-related issues emerged. The community radio stations provided vital health information, promoted hygiene practices, and provided psychological counseling support, and facilitated the coordination of health camps, helping communities manage health risks. The WSIS is a United Nations summit that aims to build an inclusive, people-centric, and development-oriented Information Society where everyone can create and share information. The WSIS Prizes is a unique global platform to identify and showcase success stories in the implementation of the WSIS Action Lines and SDGs.