Journalists Across Continents Unite for Peace Journalism: HWPL’s Global Workshop Bridges Dialogue

“Peace journalism can transform conflict into justice and harmony.” — Najiba Naseri, Reporter, ARTV News Australia

In a world where conflict, misinformation, and division often dominate headlines, a new wave of journalists is working to rewrite the narrative — one story at a time.

On July 19, 2025, the international peace organization HWPL (Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light) held its International Peace Journalism Follow-up Workshop, bringing together 44 participants from 14 countries — including journalists, legal scholars, educators, youth leaders, and faith representatives.

Held online, this workshop served as a regional extension of HWPL’s Global Media Forum hosted in April, diving deeper into the role of ethical reporting in promoting peace. At its heart, HWPL’s Peace Journalism initiative seeks to shift media practices from sensationalism toward responsible, dialogue-centered storytelling that contributes to peacebuilding in conflict-affected areas.

Media for Peace, Not Division

The workshop opened with a review of HWPL’s media initiatives and the outcomes of the April forum. Participants then joined breakout sessions by region — the Middle East, Africa, and Oceania — where they tackled pressing questions:

1. How is social media impacting peace or conflict in your region?

2. Have you, as a journalist, witnessed or contributed to peaceful transformation through your reporting?

Voices from the Frontlines of Conflict

🔹 Middle East:

Participants from Egypt, Palestine, Syria, and Jordan shared stories from the frontlines — not only of conflict, but of courage in truth-telling. Press restrictions, misinformation, and interfaith tensions were hot topics.

Ibrahim Zrary, representing the Zoroastrian Seminary in Iraq and Syria, voiced concern over the misuse of social media:

“Rather than serving as a tool for understanding, it’s increasingly used for entertainment, mocking others, spreading hate, and undermining different beliefs. This misuse stems largely from a lack of education, empathy, and awareness.”

The group emphasized the urgent need to promote respectful, informed media consumption and production.

🔹 Africa:

Journalists from across the continent, including Ethiopia, explored the double-edged nature of national broadcasting and social platforms.

Ayele Addis Ambelu, News Director in Ethiopia, noted:

“Media is sometimes used to incite extremism or ethnic conflict. However, our journalists also use it to foster unity and tolerance.”

From political propaganda to peace campaigns, the African session revealed how journalists are navigating sensitive terrain with responsibility and hope.

🔹 Oceania:

In the Oceania session, discussions centered on multiculturalism, diaspora misinformation, and editorial independence.

Najiba Naseri of ARTV News Australia shared how HWPL’s vision has shaped her approach:

“Peace journalism can transform conflict into justice and harmony. HWPL’s work has guided us toward ethical reporting.”

What’s Next for HWPL Peace Journalism?

HWPL announced its plan to launch co-publication projects and written follow-ups, focusing on regional issues such as:

• Censorship and religious narratives in the Middle East

• Internet access and media’s role in conflict mediation across Africa

• Reporting on multicultural communities in Oceania

Through education, collaboration, and cross-border dialogue, HWPL continues to support a more ethical, peace-driven global media landscape.

Why It Matters

At a time when headlines often fuel fear, this workshop reminded us of journalism’s power to heal, unite, and transform. HWPL is not only training journalists — it’s cultivating a global community of storytellers who choose peace.

Let us continue to amplify these voices.

Source: https://vo.la/FmhQXvB