Seasoned American political analyst and media consultant Bashar Jarrar says unity, honesty, and effective communication are key in addressing global environmental challenges.
Jarrar spoke during the World Press Freedom Day commemorations hosted by the Centre for Innovation and Technology (CITEZW), in partnership with Information for Development Trust (IDT) and the US Embassy in Bulawayo on Friday.
He noted the universal nature of environmental and technical challenges faced by humanity, highlighting the similarities of these crises across the globe.
Jarrar called for a collective approach, emphasising the need to manage resources rather than control them, to overcome such challenges.
“If we are to respect each other and work together as one team, logic will guide us,” Jarrar said. “The water crisis in Flint, Michigan, is not fundamentally different from the water problems you face here. In 2014, France even experienced bacterial contamination of its water supply. As humans, we share these environmental and technical challenges. The key lies in resource management, not control. A controlling approach, even with good intentions, can be easily disrupted by unforeseen circumstances.”
Jarrar said journalists and communicators, must be honest and courageous in speaking the truth. He encouraged journalists to embrace their role as investigators, advocating for the free flow of information as a cornerstone of democracy.
Jarrar cautioned against arrogance and moral corruption, urging humility and a commitment to truth in journalistic endeavours.
“You will face various challenges and regulations,” he said. “But by working together with integrity, we can build trust. Journalists shouldn’t just be watchdogs guarding against external threats. The true threat is the one who withholds the truth. We must be aware that journalism isn’t solely about being a watchdog. We shouldn’t deceive ourselves about our position. It’s troubling when some journalists believe they have the authority to determine right and wrong. This leads to moral corruption, which is extremely dangerous. Arrogance stems from ignorance. The more we educate ourselves, the more humble we become in the face of truth. We must remember that truth is multifaceted and requires careful communication.”
In the digital age, Jarrar noted the power of technology in accessing information and facilitating communication.
“We are fortunate to live in the digital age, but it’s a double-edged sword,” he said. “We can’t always rely on those who hold information to grant us access. But with media and technology skills, we have new tools at our disposal. For example, when writing about environmental challenges, research is crucial to finding solutions, not just interrupting communication. This is why the free flow of information is so important.”
Jarrar concluded by urging journalists to use research as a tool for finding solutions and fostering dialogue.
