LocationsMedia and social cohesion in Iraq: Launch of roundtable series
March 29, 2022
Photo: Roundtable attendees. 2022.
The media has a vital role to play in peacebuilding in countries recovering from conflict, such as Iraq. While the bricks and mortar can be physically re-built, often parts of society remain divided by invisible lines. In 2021, UNDP Iraq launched the second phase of a Citizen Journalism Project to enhance journalism’s contribution to social cohesion and build the capacity of over 200 young media professionals across Anbar, Babel, Baghdad, Basra, Dhi Qar, Diyala, Karbala, Kirkuk, Najaf, Ninewa, Salah al-Din, and the Kurdistan region. With local partner Civil Development Organization (CDO) and funding from the Government of Germany, the project aims to equip Iraq’s young media professionals with technical skills and capacity building related to ethical journalism, combating hate speech, and peacebuilding.
As an essential part of the project, twelve round tables and discussion sessions for media outlets, academics, and relevant officials and activists are held to discuss the media realm in Iraq, potential opportunities, and the impact of media on social cohesion and reconciliation in Iraq. These roundtables will inform a final report that will detail the considerations and recommendations discussed.
Photo: Roundtable attendees. 2022.
The first roundtable discussion kicked off in Baghdad on March 13, 2022, with participation from an expert panel including representation from the National Security Council, the Ministry of Interior and Baghdad Operations, the Ministry of Communications, the Iraqi Media Network, Baghdad University, the Armed Forces, and various media outlet representation and journalists. Topics of conversation included the role of media in advocating for social cohesion, peace and coexistence, and combatting hate speech.
Photo: Saaed Al Jayashi. 2022.
“Hate speech has a very negative impact on society, especially on youth. This led to the formation of the national committee to combat hate speech. Young journalists have the energy and desire to focus on journalism; but they need capacity building, and to work closely with international media to share experience.”
- Saaed Al Jayashi, Strategic Advisor, National Security Advisory
Photo: Dr. Mohammed Salam. 2022.
“Intellectuals, journalists, and influencers should work to combat hate speech. Working with youth on building society up and freedom of expression is very important. Journalists played a very important role in the spread of information during COVID-19 and I now call on journalists to continue their important work.”
-Dr. Mohammed Salam, Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Iraqi Media Network
Photo: Dr. Hashim Al-Tamimy. 2022.
“We need to educate people to know how to deal with media in general so they can distinguish negative from positive content. Young journalists are the future of journalism and should prioritize speech that unites society and focuses on state building.”
-Dr. Hashim Al-Tamimy, Dean of Media College, Baghdad University
UNDP Iraq has launched in 2020 a dedicated five-year Social Cohesion Programme to promote stronger, peaceful, and more cohesive communities in all areas of Iraq.