New York. Raju Lama, International President of the SAARC Journalist Forum (SJF), met with Rolf Alter, Vice Chairman of the United Nations Committee of Experts on Public Administration (CEPA), during the ongoing 25th CEPA session at UN Headquarters in New York.

The meeting took place on the sidelines of high-level discussions focused on strengthening public administration systems, improving governance effectiveness, and advancing institutional reforms aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Both leaders exchanged views on the growing role of media engagement in promoting transparency, accountability, and trust in public institutions. The discussion also highlighted the importance of inclusive governance and the need for stronger collaboration between civil society actors, including the media, and international policy bodies.

Raju Lama emphasized the role of journalists in bridging governance and citizens, stating that independent media can contribute significantly to rebuilding public trust in institutions through responsible reporting and global cooperation.

Rolf Alter, a senior figure in global public administration reform, underscored the importance of innovation in governance systems and the need for multi-stakeholder dialogue in addressing complex global challenges.

The interaction reflects the broader spirit of the CEPA 25th session, which brings together experts, policymakers, and institutional leaders to discuss strategies for modernizing governance and enhancing state capacity worldwide.

The SAARC Journalist Forum President’s engagement at the UN continues to highlight the increasing visibility of South Asian media leadership in global governance discussions.