Communication

Focal Points of Communication Workshop in the Asia Pacific 2024

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Regional Workshop for Focal Points of Communication in Asia and the Pacific 2024

 

Background

 

WOAH encourages its Members to nominate eight National Focal Points (NFPs) to support the Delegates in performing their rights and obligations and to actively participate in the standard setting process, including a National Focal Point on Communication. As part of its Global Capacity Building Program, WOAH organises regular seminars for each type of FP.

A new communication vision was launched to remain competitive, achieve growth and better position WOAH through the strategic use of communication including media relations, digital platforms and campaigns, data analysis and other forms. This vision was aligned with the implementation of the Organisation’s 7th strategic plan, which contributes to global goals. Additionally, WOAH took the opportunity to improve its Brand Strategy to support and highlight the Organisation’s goals through a new visual brand, identity, and master narrative. Some informal calls were coordinated over this period to update the regional FPs and collect their feedback on the ongoing changes.

In parallel with these changes, a digital revolution has swept the globe over the last few years. With growing digitization, expansion of social media and internet use, information – including false or misleading statements – can spread ever more rapidly. An overflow of information of varying quality that surges across digital and physical environments during an acute health event is known as an infodemic. It can cause confusion and risk-taking behaviours that can harm health. The COVID-19 pandemic steadily demonstrated the potential of misinformation and disinformation to undermine political systems, reduce the credibility of health agencies, create fear, anxiety, anger and mistrust, and weaken responses to an emergency.

 

Objectives

 

The objective of this WOAH Regional Seminar for NFPs for Communication was to build national capacities for risk communication, and to manage infodemics and reduce their impact during emergencies. It was an opportunity to provide NFPs with the necessary information to support their Delegate in the field of communication. In particular, the seminar aimed to:

  •  Introduce and provide training in risk communication concepts in the context of animal health and related disease emergencies.
  • Unpack notions of misinformation and disinformation, including their drivers and impacts, with a particular focus on animal health and associated domains.
  • Provide an overview of the strategies, good practices, methods and tools that can be used in the field to prevent, prepare for and respond to infodemics.
  • Share country experiences and good practices when dealing with infodemics.

In addition, the seminar’s agenda was specifically developed to:

  • Present WOAH’s new communication vision and branding strategy.
  • Highlight celebrations for WOAH’s 100 anniversary and discuss ways of collaborating.
  • Reinforce the regional network of NFPs for Communication.
  • Identify the communication needs of NFPs in Asia and the Pacific, and discuss how best WOAH can address them.
  • Include discussion periods on communication topics relevant to Asia and the Pacific.

 

Details

 

Dates: 26-28 November 2024

Venue: Putrajaya, Malaysia

Participation: By invitation

Agenda: PDF

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