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PAO, Sita Liane Chakrawarti (left) and Fulbright Fellow Zauditu-Selassie Kokahvah leading the discussion

Ivorian Journalists Discuss President Obama’s first address at UNGA

On October 8, 2009, PAS Abidjan brought together about 20 journalists to discuss President Barrack Obama’s first address to the United Nations General Assembly. The session was part of PAS’s English for Journalists program and was led by PAO Sita Liane Chakrawarti and Fulbright Fellow Zauditu-Selassie Kokahvah.

The discussion offered participants the opportunity to share their opinions on issues addressed by President Obama in his speech – democracy; the rule of law; human rights; good governance; the fight against terrorism and the fight against HIV/AIDS and other diseases.

Most participants welcomed President Obama’s engagement and his championing of democratic principles and respect for human rights. They considered it a good speech that addressed major issues affecting the world. Participants asked PAS to provide them with an audio copy of the speech so that they could listen to it firsthand.  Media coverage of the discussion was positive. The pro-opposition daily newspaper, Nouveau Reveil, reported on the discussion.