News:Pakistan becomes the leading partner for IJP
Name of NewsPaper: Statesman
Date of Publication:Saturday,June 23 , 2007
URL:

Statesman Report

ISLAMABAD: Represented by a USAID-funded delegation comprising Competitiveness Support Fund (CSF) officials and journalists, Pakistan made an impressive presence at the Fourth Innovation Journalism Conference at the Stanford University held from May 2124, thus becoming the first developing country to introduce an Innovation Journalism Program (UP) for its citizens.

The Pakistani delegation was led by Amir Jahangir. Consultant with the CSF and comprised of Zamir Haider from AAJ Television; and Saida Fazal from the daily Business Recorder.

According to a press release of the Competitive Support Fund (CSF) here on Friday, the Conference brought together professionals from all over the world to discuss the link between Journalism and innovation. 'how innovation is changing the profession and business of journalism, and news coverage of innovation.

The Pakistani delegation made a presentation on the road map for the Innovation Journalism in Pakistan. which was greatly appreciated. Delegations from Slovenia and Jordan showed keen interest in learning from the Pakistani model.

Pakistani fellows attending the Innovation Journalism Pro': gram at the Stanford University also made presentations in the special sessions. These included presentations by Zamir Haider, hosted by the CNET News Network; and Saida Fazal. hosted by Fortune magazine.

Amir Jahangir, Zamir Haider, Dr. David Nordfors, Saida Fazal and members of the Innovation Journalism delegation from Jordan in a group photo. - Statesman

Pakistan joined the Innovation Journalism program in 2006. through which CSF is sponsoring participation of leading Pakistani journalism in the Innovation Journalism Fellowship Program at Stanford University. With support provided by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), CSF has budgeted expenditure of US$ 262,000 per year for three years to support this project.

In 2006, CSF ensured the participation of four leading journalists to attend the 9th annual conference of The Competitiveness Institute (TCI), held in Lyon, France.

CSF is a joint initiative of the Ministry of Finance, Government of Pakistan and USAID. It supports Pakistan's goal to become a competitiveness economy by providing input into policy decisions, working to improve regulatory and administrative frameworks and enhancing public-private partnerships within the country.