Zambian Vice President calls on countries to utilize communication to build positive image

The first-ever World Communication-Africa forum opened on Tuesday with Zambian Vice President Inonge Wina urging countries to utilize communication to boost their brands.

In remarks delivered during the forum which was being held for the first time in Africa, the Zambian vice president said the emergency of social media has rebranded nations across the world although most of it was being done negatively.

She said countries like Zambia which were known for being peaceful have been rebranded differently and called on the meeting to come up with answers to deal with the problem.

While appreciating the importance of digital communication, Wina noted that there was a need to utilize it in a positive way.

The forum, which has attracted speakers from seven countries, is being held under the theme "Communication in a Changing World". She noted that the theme was appropriate as it comes at a time when the world was being driven by the power of technology, including digital technology which has enhanced communication.

Minister of Information and Broadcasting Services Dora Siliya said the holding of the forum was the first step in addressing communication in a changing world.

"The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about challenges in many areas of life but also opportunities," said Siliya.

Zimbabwean Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Monica Mutsvangwa said there was a need for countries to be prepared in order to deal with both positive and negative aspects of social media.

According to her, communicators need to stick to the truth at all times in order to deal with fake news.

The forum is expected to discuss digitalization, crisis communication, country branding, and peacekeeping, among other topics.