Édouard C. Loko, president of the HAAC, met with Aminatou Sar, the UN Resident Coordinator in Benin, on 26 October 2026 in Cotonou to strengthen the media partnership between the two organizations. On October 26, 2026, Édouard C. Loko, president of the HAAC, met with Aminatou Sar, the UN Resident Coordinator in Benin, in Cotonou to formally discuss the framework of their professional cooperation. The meeting focused on aligning regulatory frameworks with international development standards to improve the media environment in Benin. During the discussions, Aminatou Sar stated that "achieving national development goals requires close collaboration between regulatory bodies and media stakeholders." This dialogue between the HAAC and the UN serves as a foundation for future cooperation regarding information standards and institutional support for local media outlets. Both representatives discussed the role of regulatory oversight in promoting professional journalism as a tool for public information and sustainable development across the country.
Strategic Goals for Media
Discussions between the UN and the HAAC focused on the dissemination of verified information, training programs for information professionals, and the development of communication management protocols specifically for health crises. These areas were identified as central to maintaining public trust and ensuring the accuracy of reports during emergency situations. Discussions covered the dissemination of verified information, training for information professionals, and communication management during health crises.
UN mission representatives acknowledged the work performed by the HAAC in promoting press freedom within the country. The UN mission acknowledged the HAAC's efforts in promoting press freedom and adapting to the rise of digital media and artificial intelligence. Officials also noted the importance of the regulatory body’s recent efforts in adapting to the rise of digital media platforms and the integration of artificial intelligence in the news cycle.
Capacity-building sessions for journalists form a primary component of the partnership, with the UNDP providing the necessary support for these initiatives. The partnership includes capacity-building sessions for journalists supported by the UNDP. These training programs aim to equip media workers with the skills required for modern reporting environments.
Collaborative initiatives targeting community radio stations in Benin represent another key element of the agreement. The UN and HAAC are collaborating on initiatives for community radio stations in Benin with the support of UNICEF. UNICEF is providing support for these projects to ensure that regional media outlets possess the resources needed to reach local audiences effectively. By focusing on these specific technical and structural areas, the HAAC and the UN intend to foster a more strong media landscape capable of meeting the information needs of the population. The shared commitment to these initiatives reflects a mutual understanding of the role that professional, regulated, and well-resourced media plays in the broader development objectives currently being pursued by the UN in Benin.
