The UNJCI and the CSRS sign a framework partnership agreement
On Monday 21 September 2026, at the CSRS headquarters in Yopougon, the National Union of Journalists of Côte d’Ivoire (UNJCI) and the Centre for Research and Social Studies (Centre Suisse de Recherches Scientifiques en Côte d’Ivoire, CSRS) signed a three-year, renewable framework partnership agreement. This collaboration aims, in particular, to strengthen links between researchers and journalists and to promote the wider dissemination of scientific knowledge.
Marie-Laure N’Goran, President of the UNJCI, described this agreement as the culmination of a process characterised by dialogue and joint efforts. She emphasised the complementary nature of scientific research, which generates knowledge, and journalism, which is responsible for explaining that knowledge and making it accessible to the public. “The researcher masters complexity. The journalist must make it understandable without distorting it,” she said, emphasising the need for closer collaboration in the face of challenges relating in particular to climate change, health, new technologies and artificial intelligence.
The partnership envisages several initiatives, including the implementation of a multimodal communication plan, the organisation of press clubs, press conferences and academic conferences, as well as the production of specialist magazines and the hosting of meetings between researchers and journalists.
The UNJCI also intends to make this initiative part of its priority focus on training and capacity-building for media professionals.
For his part, the director of the CSRS, Professor Jérémie Thouakesseh Zoueu, welcomed this cooperation, which comes in a special year for the Centre as it celebrates its 75th anniversary. He reiterated the CSRS’s mission to generate useful knowledge in fields such as health, agriculture, food security, biodiversity, the environment, governance and social development. In his view, public outreach is an essential component of research dissemination.
He announced that, under the agreement, the CSRS will facilitate access to authorised scientific information and to researchers and experts, whilst contributing to analyses, interviews, conferences, programmes and podcasts. A technical committee comprising two representatives from each institution will be responsible for identifying priority topics and monitoring the agreed actions.
Through this agreement, the two organisations aim to contribute to the development of scientific literacy, the fight against misinformation and a better understanding of scientific issues amongst the general public.
P. Koffi/Le Jour