Are you a journalist with an interest in the biggest challenges facing the world today? UN-Water would like you to apply for the media and communicators sessions which will take place at the UN-Water Annual International Zaragoza Conference in Zaragoza, Spain. The conference will provide an opportunity for media and communicators to discuss the challenges of the post-2015 water agenda with policy makers from all over the world, network, meet and interview internationally recognized figures with stories to share and take part in the UN international conference.

Water, Sanitation, Hygiene issues are at the core of sustainable development as they are closely linked to a number of key global challenges such as energy, food security, biodiversity, climate change, among others. Creating awareness and earning commitment from decision-makers for these issues (including cooperation, scarcity, pollution, disasters, etc.) is vital if we are to influence policies and practices that affect the lives of millions – particularly the disadvantaged. Media and communicators play a vital role in informing, communicating and advocating these issues.

The media and communicators sessions at the 2015 UN-Water Annual International Zaragoza Conference aim to move the water and sustainability communication agenda forward and better position the issues during the post-2015 period.

• Position yourself as a thought leader in some of the most important issues facing the planet today;
• Discuss the challenges to a sustainable water future #post2015 with policy makers from all over the world;
• Develop contacts in governments, NGOs, business and UN delegates who can inform your communications for years to come;
• Meet and interview internationally recognized figures with big stories to share;
• Be part of a community of journalists writing regularly about water and sustainable development.

The media and communicators sessions are open to journalists and communicators from all over the world. Up to 10 participants from developing countries will receive travel expenses and accommodation to participate in this invitation-only event. Application for sponsorship is now open to journalists from developing countries.

To be considered for participation in the media and communicators sessions, prospective candidates are asked to submit:

• Curriculum vitae
• 3 examples of work (examples in languages other than English should be accompanied by a short summary in English). These could include articles, videos, communication campaigns, in-depth analysis (reportages), etc.

Deadline to be considered for sponsorship closed on 15 September 2014. For other participants, applications will be accepted until 15 November 2014.

Media play an important role in influencing the public opinion, attitudes, and actions. Politicians recognize that the media are arenas for advocacy and they can shape and influence policies. This session will reflect on the role of media in communicating water, sanitation and hygiene issues: What interests the media? How the new media environment is influencing the communication process? What are the main sources of information media use? What are the main challenges/bottlenecks in the communication process? What are current public’s perceptions and how are they influenced by the media? What are main capacity-building needs? What are the main media networks on these issues? Side events can be organized to address specific issues (e.g. by region).

To be considered for participation in the media and communicators sessions, prospective candidates are asked to submit:

• Discussion opener on the experts’ view of media role and the post-2015 agenda on water.
• Roundtable on the role of media in communicating water, sanitation and hygiene issues.

UN agencies and programmes, NGOs, Governments, etc. organize communication campaigns to address specific issues. During this session, they will discuss different issues including: Who is doing what? What topics are covered? And uncovered? What works, what doesn’t? Main lessons learned? What are the new communication challenges for the post-2015 development agenda? etc.

• Discussion opener: Overview of communication campaigns and lessons learned
• Reflections of campaign organizers (tbc: WSSCC, JMP, MDG Campaign, WaterAid, etc.)
• Debate

The 2015 UN-Water Annual International Zaragoza Conference media and communicators sessions is planned for 16 January 2015 and will be held in Zaragoza, Spain.