Amman: Dialogue Journalism Fellowship 2025 conference has kicked off, organized by Hayat Centre for Civil Society Development (Rased), in cooperation with the International Dialogue Centre (KAICIID). In his opening remarks, Minister of Government Communication and Government Spokesperson, Dr. Mohammad Momani, highlighted the presence of threats such as hate speech, misinformation, extremism, radicalism, and populist rhetoric, emphasizing the need for a conscious and courageous media.
According to Jordan News Agency, Momani noted that in the current age of open space, confronting terrorism is not solely a security concern but also a media issue. He stressed that information can bring justice, while false news can ignite strife, indicating that responsible media restores balance to the public sphere and promotes dialogue. Momani remarked that hate speech and extremism have no place in Jordan, a nation founded on pluralism, tolerance, coexistence, and acceptance.
Momani advocated for the integration of dialogue in media work to strengthen reliance on information and pledged a united stance against threats to Jordan’s intellectual and societal security. He expressed that dialogue is a moral, national, and professional necessity, essential for societal peace, and is part of Jordan’s national and societal security equation. The minister also called for investment in media and information literacy to prepare future generations to expose misinformation and defend the truth.
He acknowledged the complex international and regional reality, where the line between truth and falsehood has blurred, and words can be weaponized for either construction or destruction. Addressing media professionals present, Momani urged them to build a culture of dialogue and resist engaging in hate speech. He hoped the event would foster interaction and build professional networks based on the belief that words should serve as bridges.
Meanwhile, Rased Director, Dr. Amer Bani Amer, acknowledged the challenging regional circumstances and the unpredictability of developments. He stressed the need for disciplined media that rejects hate speech and violence. The conference aims to present Jordan as a model of national unity to its Arab neighbors and peace-loving individuals globally.
KAICIID’s Director of Arab Region Programs, Wassim Haddad, stated that this event marks a new phase of learning, knowledge dissemination, and experience exchange among 23 journalists from 13 Arab countries. The goal is to promote dialogue and coexistence, build safe and stable Arab societies, and enhance peace, recognizing the strategic role of media in boosting dialogue and peacebuilding.