Conclusion

Ladies and gentlemen, given the challenges that journalists face across the Asia and Pacific region, this new program that the ADB Institute is launching today is just one step towards providing stronger international support for the good work of the media in the region.

We hope, too, that you and your companies will help us publicize the awards and get the word out to applicants throughout the region.

Out hope is that this program will help strengthen the hand of journalists who contribute to good governance and good polices in the Asia-Pacific region. We would like them to know that their work is recognised at the international level as a key contribution to promoting development and tackling poverty across the region.