JAKARTA, 7 September 2020 – The ASEAN Ministers Responsible for Information (AMRI) adopted the Joint Statement to Minimise the Negative Effects of COVID-19 on 25 August 2020.
The Joint Statement represents the Information Sector’s commitment to respond to the negative impacts of COVID-19 by combating fake news and misinformation related to the pandemic and enhancing ASEAN’s effective public communication through media and information cooperation as well as mechanisms during the pandemic.
The Ministers also expressed concerns on the climate of distrust and fear induced by fake news and misinformation that, if left unchecked, could undermine effective regional preparedness, resiliency and responsiveness toward addressing the outbreak.
Through the Joint Statement, the AMRI resolves to encourage:
- Regular exchanges of official updates and information,
- Develop regional guidelines and a common platform to facilitate timely sharing of information, enhance information mechanisms and working groups,
- Encourage effective and transparent public communication, promote media ethics and social responsibility among media,
- Encourage enhancement of media and information literacy and digital competencies,
- Support use of digital technologies,
- Encourage development of initiatives and projects concerning risk or crisis communication,
- Further strengthen media and information cooperation.
The Joint Statement is an initiative during Thailand’s AMRI chairmanship from 2020 to 2022.
