"I use every opportunity I have to advocate for the freedom of the press"
Valeria Robecco is a professional journalist, covering the United Nations since 2010 as UN correspondent for ANSA, the leading Italian newswire service. She has also reported for several major Italian media outlets such as La Stampa and Il Giornale, with a special focus on politics and international affairs. Valeria Robecco has been the President of the United Nations Correspondents Association (UNCA) since the start of 2019.
Recently, you were re-elected president of the United Nations Correspondents Association. What are your plans for your new term?
Valeria Robecco, President of the United Nations Correspondents Association (UNCA).
Our intentions are a progressive resumption of the activities at present toward a new normalization, but always bearing in mind the risks and criticisms of this evolving situation and following the ongoing precautionary measures regarding Covid-19. Also, aiming at relaunching the issue of the safety of journalists in the world and trying to improve access for journalists at the next UN General Assembly.
Is it easy to manage the UN Correspondents Association duties along with your daily journalism duties?
It is a great effort, but surely by working hard and organizing myself, I can manage the role at UNCA with my job as a journalist.
You have been a foreign correspondent for some of the leading media outlets in Italy. Working as a foreign correspondent in New York and covering the UN, what have you learned?
The different approach to work and to the news of foreign colleagues from all over the world. Also, the different priorities in terms of topics, and above all, the different methodologies for fact-checking and fighting the fake news.
How can an aspiring foreign correspondent who wishes to cover the UN be successful?
Obviously, it is essential to work hard and have observation skills, but also create a good network of contacts, and the right dose of luck always helps.
Is it possible for a journalist and foreign correspondent to gain access to UN resources and off-the-record information?
On most occasions, it is easier for American and other major outlets to get contacts and to navigate the world of politics and diplomacy. For us, it is certainly an even greater challenge but the aspiration is always to achieve important results.
As president of the UN Correspondents Association, what can you do to promote press freedom?
Carry out my role as UNCA president with responsibility and commitment, and use every opportunity I have to advocate for the freedom of the press.
You were awarded the honorary annual foreign press award by the Association of Foreign Press Correspondents in 2019. What message would you like to share with foreign journalists in America?
My message is work hard and be receptive to all the opportunities that the US and the UN offer for our work, but above all have the ability to take those that are closest to your values.
