SEJON, IIDS to cooperate in economic research, capacity-building programmes

KATHMANDU:  Society of Economic Journalists-Nepal (SEJON) and Institute for Integrated Development Studies (IIDS) have signed an agreement to cooperate in conducting economic research and capacity-building programmes for economic journalists. At a ceremony held on the occasion of the 44th anniversary of IIDS, SEJON President Janardan Baral and IIDS Executive Director Biswash Gauchan signed the memorandum of understanding (MoU) regarding the cooperation in conducting the capacity development of economic journalists, policy debates, and studies and research on various subjects. In the programme, IIDS Executive Director  Gauchan said the collaboration with SEJON will be important in carrying out research work and capacity development. He said there will be collaboration between the two organisations to carry out capacity development programmes and research work. Likewise, Baral said the cooperation with IIDA will help SEJON in producing competent journalists for the development of fair and independent journalism. Baral remarked, "There is a challenge for journalists and media around the world to increase impartiality and professionalism while being alert to issues that can be used by the government to spread its propaganda and by the private sector for commercial interests. All over the world, governments spread propaganda through the media and business houses try to impose their interests through the use of media. In order to avoid this, it is necessary to have diligent journalists." As per the agreement, the two organisations will cooperate in the design and implementation of capacity building programmes in the fields of finance, economics and development, cooperate in holding conferences and programmes on various issues of national importance, cooperate in the formulation, implementation and dissemination of research programmes in the field of economic development and policy advocacy on development issues. Both IIDS and SEJON have been working in collaboration with the Government of Nepal, United Nations Organisation, World Bank and Asian Development Bank, other international organisations, bilateral development partners and think tanks. On the occasion, IIDS also signed an MoU with the Central Department of Economics, Tribhuvan University and Confederation of Nepalese Industries. Additionally, IIDS held a programme to discuss the economic state of the country. Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) Governor Maha Prasad Adhikari was the chief guest at the discussion programme. READ ALSO: 

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