GILGIT, April 5: Communication and public awareness are the key to sustainable development and both public and private sectors can make a difference by working closely with the formal and non-formal media.

These observations were made at a communication forum’s meeting, held at a local hotel here on Thursday.

The meeting’s participants, mostly professionals form media and communication and other sectors, said communication as a process and a theme needed to be taken seriously in carrying out all major projects and programmes in Northern Areas.

They stressed the need for developing a better understanding of key environmental and developmental issues within their ranks.

The Northern Areas Communications and Interest Group called upon all the bodies concerned, particularly the non-government organizations, to ensure more transparency in their operations, and focus on practical solutions to the problems being faced by the people.

“NGOs should do more to build the capacity of media enabling them to develop in-depth understanding of issues and possible solution,” said Nasir Khan, the regional information officer of the NA PID.