The Botswana Institute for Development Policy Analysis, (BIDPA) recently held a media workshop to sensitize the media on;

The role of evidence in policy making.

Officially opening the workshop, Deputy Governor of Bank of Botswana who is also the Chairperson of the Research Committee for the BIDPA Board of Trustees Dr Kealeboga Masalila said BIDPA recognises the important function and relevance of the media as active participants in the policy making process.

He said it should be recognised that the media is an important partner in illuminating problem identification or development gaps, disseminating information, fostering public education and participation in the development agenda and discussion, as well as providing feedback. He said the combination of these is such that the media contributes to agenda setting, in turn informing the work plans and programmes for institutions such as BIDPA.