3 March, Tripoli - UNESCO, the European Broadcasting Union and the Ministry of Information are organizing a seminar to facilitate discussion between Libyan officials in the information and telecommunications sector and international experts on the development of a policy for the switchover of broadcasting spectrum from analog to digital in Libya.

A two-day seminar–targeting some 20 government officials is being held on 4 and 5 March at the Al Waddan Hotel in Tripoli. Key institutions, such as the Ministry of Telecommunications, Ministry of Economy and Ministry of Culture, have been invited to attend, in addition for those in the Ministry of Information. International experts from the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), RaiWay, the African Telecommunications Union and the Arab States Broadcasting Union, among others, will share expertise and experiences. Following the seminar, a half-day workshop will be held on 6 March with Libyan officials in order to produce an action plan for the digital switchover process to ensure that Libya meets the internationally set deadline of 15 June 2015.

Topics to be addressed in the seminar include: Libyan digital spectrum in the international context; reasons for digitalization of the broadcasting spectrum; alternatives to the analog switch off of the broadcasting spectrum; options for the broadcasting ecosystem in Libya; economic and social opportunities presented by the digital switchover; DTT as an infrastructural investment in Libya; regulatory models. The programme aims to provide Libyan officials in information and telecommunications with the information necessary to choose the options that are most beneficial and appropriate for Libya . The event is part of a broader on-going capacity-building programme of support for the Libyan government towards the media sector, and is funded by the Finnish Development Cooperation.

The need for such a seminar is particularly urgent in Libya, as the start of the Revolution in February 2011 coincided with the beginning of international discussions on international switchover from analog, and the establishment of 15 June 2015 as an accepted deadline for all nations to have this process completed. Libya was not able to take part in the relevant discussions, and must now take urgent steps in order to maintain control of its broadcasting spectrum and to meet the international deadline.

A team of international experts organized by the European Broadcasting Union with experience in the relevant topics, together with Libyan experts in similar areas, will conduct the seminar. The working session, for Libyan stakeholders responsible for drafting and monitoring an action plan for the completion of the switchover process, will be facilitated by a select group of international experts.

For more information, please contact:

UNESCO Project Office in Libya:
Ms. Jessica Hjarrand,
Programme Specialist
+218 (0)91 1506 339
j.hjarrand@unesco.org

UNESCO Regional Office in Cairo:
Mr. Marius Lukosiunas
Advisor, Communications and Information
+20 109 877 9057
m.lukosiunas@unesco.org