Beirut, 18 June 2026 – On the occasion of the International Day for Countering Hate Speech, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Lebanon, in partnership with the Ministry of Information and Dawaer Foundation, organized a panel discussion titled “Truth, Trust, and Tensions: Media’s Role in Preventing Division During Conflict” at the UN House in Beirut.

Held in the presence of H.E. the Minister of Information, Dr. Paul Morcos, UNDP Resident Representative in Lebanon Ms. Blerta Aliko, and Mr. Sami Saadi, Chargé d’Affaires a.i. of the Delegation of the European Union to Lebanon, the event brought together journalists, academics, digital rights advocates, peacebuilding practitioners, students, and media professionals to discuss the role of media and digital platforms in shaping public discourse during times of crisis.

The panel featured Prof. Maha Zaraket of the Lebanese University, journalists Joyce Hanna, Halima Tabiaa, Executive Director of SMEX Mohamad Najem, and insider mediator Remy Makhlouf. Speakers explored how media and digital platforms can influence public perceptions during periods of crisis, particularly amid rising misinformation and polarization, highlighting the role of ethical journalism, fact-checking, conflict-sensitive reporting, and dialogue in reducing tensions and fostering trust.

In his opening remarks, H.E. Minister of Information Dr. Paul Morcos said: "The Ministry of Information continues to launch and support initiatives aimed at promoting responsible media and fostering a culture of dialogue and openness, based on its belief in the role of the media as a key partner in safeguarding social stability and strengthening trust between citizens and institutions. On the International Day for Countering Hate Speech, we reaffirm our commitment to supporting all efforts that help combat misinformation and incitement, and to promoting a professional and inclusive media discourse that upholds the values of pluralism and mutual respect. This is particularly important in times of crisis and conflict, when the need is greatest for media that brings people together rather than drives them apart, and that builds bridges rather than divisions."

Chargé d’Affaires a.i of the European Union Delegation to Lebanon, Mr. Samy Saadi, said: “At a critical time in Lebanon, the European Union is working with partners to counter the spread of hate speech and strengthen social cohesion. Through our partnership with UNDP, we have reached nearly 5,000 people across 38 communities from North to South through dialogue, mediation, and trust-building activities. With Dawaer, we are also supporting journalists and content creators in countering hate speech online.”  

UNDP Resident Representative in Lebanon, Ms. Blerta Aliko, said: "At a time when misinformation and divisive narratives can deepen tensions in Lebanon amid the ongoing repercussions of the conflict, promoting responsible communication is more important than ever. Through the 'Together, We Stay Strong' campaign, UNDP and its partners are working to foster solidarity, shared human values, and constructive public discourse that brings communities together rather than drives them apart."

The panel discussion builds on the ongoing "Together, We Stay Strong" (سوا منضل بخير) campaign, launched by UNDP, the Ministry of Information, and Dawaer NGO in response to rising tensions linked to the conflict in Lebanon, to promote responsible communication and counter-defense narratives. It forms part of broader peacebuilding efforts that have engaged more than 200 young people, local reporters, and community actors across Lebanon on fact-checking, ethical journalism, conflict-sensitive reporting, and countering hate speech.