This is the most opportune time to strategically use social media for addressing the newly emerging sustainable development goals : Dr. Madhulika Jonathan [ Chief UNICEF, Jharkhand ]
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This is the most opportune time to strategically use social media for addressing the newly emerging sustainable development goals : Dr. Madhulika Jonathan [ Chief UNICEF, Jharkhand ]

This is the most opportune time to strategically use social media for addressing the newly emerging sustainable development goals : Dr. Madhulika Jonathan [ Chief UNICEF, Jharkhand ]Ranchi, Jharkhand | July | 25, 2015 :: UNICEF Jharkhand organised a social media orientation Workshop for Information & Public Relations department ( IPRD ) district public relation officers ( DPROs) from all district and state level officials in Suchana Bhawan, Ranchi..

Dr. Madhulika Jonathan, Chief UNICEF Jharkhand said, “this is the most opportune time to strategically use social media for addressing the newly emerging sustainable development goals (SDGs) which will be replacing the millennium development goals (MDGs) for advocacy work and debate on these issues. It is also an opportune time as Prime Minister’s top priority is digital india. And access to information and knowledge is power.”

She said, “digital platforms are important to bring about societal change. As DPROs you hear the voices in the field and can work to bring about that change. UNICEF can provide support by empower you with technical knowledge, skills and evidence based data.”

The master trainer, Dr. Deepak Gupta took the participants through the evolving paradigms in strategic communication and advocacy. He examined the recent use of social media in other developing country settings.

He said, “humans have a need to connect and share. Information services have traditionally been communication as a one way process. Communication is a two way street and The various social media platforms ensure this by allowing an open and informed discussion on varied issues. Social media can be used to inform, persuade, socially mobilizer, remind, recall messages and change behaviours. It is an agenda setter, a watch dog, a gatekeeper and a catalyst to social mobilisation and behaviour change.”

A K Pandey, Director, IPRD said, “Social media provides us with information at the click of a button. It gives you an opportunity to expand your scope of your as well as reach. IPRD has launched a new initiative called Jan Samvad which provides a platform to reach out to the communities and families in any village in any district. Social media is an important component of this initiative. It provides us with an opportunity to encourage new foster a two way communication with our target groups and audiences.”

Ms Paramita Panjal from Gram Vani & Dr. Dev Vrat Singh, HoD, Centre for Mass Communication, Central University shared their perspectives on mobile linking as a strategy and other social media platforms for flagging child cantered issues and other development concerns.

The participants visited surrounding areas to collect communication habits, practices and accessibility & affordability issues based on which they devised a social media plan for their districts.

Ms. Moira Dawa, Communication Officer, UNICEF Jharkhand said, “UNICEF is committed to further partner and collaborate with the public relations department. The innovative platform of the IPRDs Jan Samvad can be further explored for qualitative research and advocacy. We shall also provide technical support to the districts in strengthening their social media plans.”

The orientation session closed with the distribution of certificates by A K Pandey, Director. IPRD & the master trainer, Dr. Gupta.

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