Regional Journalists to Vie for UNFPA Awards

Regional journalists and individuals or groups, working in the fields of population and development, will have an opportunity to vie for exciting prizes in the newly re-branded, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), 2008 Caribbean Population Awards.
Formerly the UNFPA Annual Caribbean Media Awards, the competition has been re-branded, to be more representative of its broadened scope and wider appeal. For the first time, the awards will include a non-media category, that will recognise the achievements of individuals, non-governmental organizations or groups working in the fields of population and development in the region, to improve the health and welfare of the population served.
Projects or initiatives submitted in this new category, should demonstrate relevance, sustainability, significant impact on the lives of community members and should have provided equal opportunity, for participation by men and women, without gender bias. Nominees should have at least two years experience working on population issues.
In keeping with the Millennium Development Goals, set by 189 United Nations member states, print, radio and TV journalists, are invited to submit works on population related issues, published between October 1, 2007 and August 12, 2008 and deemed to be of outstanding quality.
These are issues that have had an impact on poverty reduction or have resulted in an improved quality of life for the people of the region. Areas of focus include, Population Dynamics, such as migration, urbanisation and ageing; Sexual and Reproductive Health, including family planning and safe motherhood; and Gender Equality and Equity. Deadline for submissions is the 12th of September, 2008.
The journalists will vie for awards in Platinum, Gold and Silver categories and each winner is determined by a distinguished panel of judges, comprising journalists and representatives from the public and private sectors and civil society across the region.
Since the inauguration in 1999, the Awards, have attracted the attention of regional media from the English and Dutch speaking Caribbean.
The awards are part of ongoing efforts, to encourage excellence among regional journalists in reporting on population and development and to recognise the works of individuals, organisations or groups committed to population-related issues.
The UNFPA Sub-Regional Office in Jamaica, serves 21 countries in the English and Dutch-speaking Caribbean. The UNFPA has provided support for the Caribbean since 1969 and remains the largest international source of population assistance to Governments, non-governmental organisations and civil society. For entry forms and further instructions, persons are invited to visit: http://caribbean.unfpa.org.