Beirut Bolsters Fight Against Disinformation: UNESCO, OIF, and Ministry of Information Forge Powerful Partnership
Beirut, Lebanon – January 14, 2025 – In a decisive move to counter the rising tide of disinformation and hate speech plaguing Lebanon’s media landscape, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF), and the Lebanese Ministry of Information have joined forces. A landmark Tripartite Partnership Agreement, signed today, marks a significant step towards fostering critical thinking and media literacy among the Lebanese public. This collaborative initiative aims to equip citizens with the tools to identify and combat the spread of false information, particularly during times of crisis.
The signing ceremony, held in Beirut, brought together key figures spearheading the fight against disinformation. His Excellency Ziad Al Makary, Minister of Information in Lebanon, Costanza Farina, Director of UNESCO Multisectoral Regional Office in Beirut, and Lévon Amirjanyan, Representative of the OIF for the Middle East, underscored the importance of this partnership in safeguarding Lebanon’s information environment. The agreement leverages the combined expertise of these international organizations and the Lebanese government to address a critical challenge threatening social cohesion and democratic processes.
The heart of this initiative lies in a multi-pronged approach designed to empower both media professionals and the general public. A comprehensive media campaign, spanning television channels and social media platforms, will spearhead public awareness efforts. This campaign will not only focus on raising awareness about the dangers of disinformation and fake news but also provide practical tips and techniques for identifying and debunking misleading information. The partners recognize that an informed citizenry is the first line of defense against the insidious spread of false narratives.
Recognizing the crucial role of journalists in shaping public discourse, the partnership includes targeted capacity-building initiatives for media professionals. A core team of journalists and reporters from the National News Agency will undergo specialized training in fact-checking and video reporting, equipping them with the skills and knowledge to identify, verify, and report on information accurately. This training component aims to enhance the quality and reliability of news reporting, contributing to a more informed and discerning public. The project will also provide the National News Agency with essential equipment to support their fact-checking endeavors.
This collaborative effort aligns with broader international and national strategies to promote media integrity and combat disinformation. The initiative falls under the umbrella of the UNESCO Action Plan for the Emergency Response for Lebanon, specifically addressing the strategic objective related to media. It also forms part of the OIF’s program on the prevention and fight against disinformation, demonstrating a coordinated and synergistic approach to tackling this global challenge. The "Solidarity for Lebanon" action plan further underscores the OIF’s commitment to assisting the country in navigating complex informational landscapes.
The partnership aims to foster a media environment that values accuracy, critical thinking, and informed public discourse. By empowering both journalists and citizens to distinguish fact from fiction, this initiative seeks to strengthen Lebanon’s resilience to disinformation campaigns and contribute to a more stable and informed society. Minister Makary, a staunch advocate for media integrity, expressed optimism about the project’s potential to cultivate a culture of combating fake news within the Lebanese media landscape, preventing the further proliferation of misinformation.
The signing of the Tripartite Partnership Agreement marks a critical step forward in the fight against disinformation in Lebanon. By combining their respective expertise and resources, UNESCO, the OIF, and the Ministry of Information aim to create a more informed and resilient society capable of navigating the complexities of today’s information landscape. The comprehensive approach, encompassing public awareness campaigns and targeted capacity building for journalists, underscores the partners’ commitment to addressing the root causes of disinformation and fostering a culture of critical thinking. This initiative stands as a testament to the power of collaboration in tackling complex global challenges and promoting media literacy as a cornerstone of democratic societies.
The project partners express strong confidence in the initiative’s potential to create lasting change. Ms. Farina emphasized UNESCO’s unwavering commitment to supporting freedom of expression, access to information, and combating disinformation within the broader context of fostering a conducive media landscape in Lebanon. Mr. Amirjanyan echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the urgency of addressing the disinformation crisis and the need for collaborative action. The OIF’s "Solidarity for Lebanon" action plan provides a framework for swift and impactful intervention, leveraging the organization’s expertise to support the Lebanese government in bolstering its resilience against the detrimental effects of disinformation.
This partnership arrives at a crucial juncture for Lebanon, as it grapples with multifaceted challenges, including economic instability and political tensions. In such a vulnerable context, the spread of disinformation can exacerbate existing divisions and undermine public trust. The collaborative efforts of UNESCO, the OIF, and the Ministry of Information seek to create a more robust information ecosystem, empowering citizens to navigate the information landscape critically and engage in informed public discourse. The initiative not only aims to address the immediate challenges posed by disinformation but also to lay the groundwork for a more resilient and informed society in the long term.
The commitment demonstrated by all three partners reflects a shared recognition that combating disinformation requires a multi-faceted approach. Educating the public, empowering journalists, and building institutional capacities are crucial elements in creating a media landscape that values accuracy, transparency, and accountability. The Tripartite Partnership Agreement serves as a beacon of hope in an increasingly complex information environment, offering a model for collaborative action and demonstrating the potential of international cooperation to address shared challenges.
The long-term vision of this initiative extends beyond simply mitigating the harmful effects of disinformation. It seeks to cultivate a culture of critical thinking and media literacy that permeates all levels of Lebanese society. By empowering individuals with the skills and knowledge to identify, analyze, and evaluate information critically, the project aims to create a more informed and discerning public, better equipped to engage in constructive dialogue and contribute to a more democratic and resilient society. The partnership’s emphasis on building sustainable solutions underscores its commitment to creating lasting change in Lebanon’s media landscape.
