Beirut Bolsters Fight Against Disinformation with UNESCO-Led Partnership
Beirut, Lebanon – January 14, 2025 – In a significant move to combat the pervasive threats of disinformation and hate speech, Lebanon has forged a powerful alliance with UNESCO and the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF). This tripartite partnership, spearheaded by the Ministry of Information, aims to bolster critical thinking among the Lebanese public and promote media and information literacy, particularly crucial in the context of the nation’s ongoing challenges. The agreement was formalized in a signing ceremony attended by key figures including H.E. Ziad Al Makary, Minister of Information, Costanza Farina, Director of UNESCO Multisectoral Regional Office in Beirut, and Lévon Amirjanyan, OIF Representative for the Middle East. This collaboration harnesses the unique strengths of each organization to equip citizens with the tools to navigate the complex information landscape and identify misinformation.
This initiative marks a crucial step in Lebanon’s efforts to address the escalating problem of disinformation, recognizing its potential to undermine social cohesion, exacerbate existing tensions, and hinder informed public discourse. The partnership aims to empower individuals with the critical thinking skills necessary to discern credible information from fabricated narratives, ultimately fostering a more resilient and informed society. The collaborative approach leverages UNESCO’s global expertise in media development, OIF’s focus on Francophone communities, and the Ministry of Information’s deep understanding of the Lebanese media landscape. This synergy is expected to create a comprehensive and impactful strategy that addresses the multifaceted nature of the disinformation challenge.
The core of this partnership rests on a multi-pronged approach. A central component is a comprehensive media campaign spanning television channels and social media platforms designed to raise public awareness about critical thinking and the dangers of fake news. This campaign will equip citizens with practical tools to identify and debunk misinformation, fostering a culture of informed skepticism. Complementing this public awareness campaign is a capacity-building program targeted at journalists from the National News Agency. This program will provide specialized training in fact-checking and video reporting, significantly enhancing their ability to accurately report information and counter misinformation narratives. This focus on equipping journalists with the necessary skills underscores the critical role they play in shaping public discourse and disseminating accurate information.
Recognizing the importance of access to information, the partnership also includes the provision of essential equipment to support fact-checking and video reporting. This tangible support strengthens the practical capacity of journalists to carry out their vital work, ensuring they have the tools to verify information and present accurate reports. The agreement aligns with UNESCO’s Action Plan for Emergency Response in Lebanon, further emphasizing the urgency of addressing the disinformation crisis within the broader context of the country’s challenges. Furthermore, it falls under the umbrella of OIF’s “Solidarity for Lebanon” action plan, highlighting the international community’s commitment to supporting Lebanon’s efforts in tackling this crucial issue.
The partnership’s emphasis on capacity building, particularly within the journalistic community, is deemed essential to fostering a sustainable solution to the disinformation problem. By empowering journalists with the skills and tools necessary for fact-checking and accurate reporting, the project aims to strengthen the integrity of the media landscape and promote a culture of truth-seeking. The Minister of Information, Ziad Al Makary, expressed his optimism about the agreement, stating his hopes for a nationwide culture of combating fake news within the journalistic community and the broader media landscape. He views the agreement as a long-awaited step towards a more informed and resilient Lebanon.
UNESCO Director Costanza Farina highlighted the organization’s commitment to bolstering freedom of expression, ensuring access to information, and actively combating disinformation in Lebanon. She sees this partnership as a tangible outcome of the long-standing strategic collaboration between UNESCO and OIF, underscoring its potential to address the complex information environment. Lévon Amirjanyan of the OIF stressed the urgency of the situation, emphasizing the necessity of combined efforts and expertise in supporting the Ministry of Information’s resilience against the scourge of disinformation. He framed the project within OIF’s “Solidarity for Lebanon” action plan, highlighting its focus on immediate and tangible support. This tripartite partnership signifies a vital step in fortifying Lebanon’s media landscape against the insidious effects of disinformation and hate speech. By investing in media literacy, empowering journalists, and raising public awareness, this initiative seeks to create a more informed and resilient society, capable of navigating the complex challenges of the modern information age.