> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://impact.gfmd.info/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://impact.gfmd.info/meetings/2023/mena-regional-meeting-nov.-2023.md).

# MENA regional meeting (Nov. 2023)

**Organisers:** [Global Forum for Media Development (GFMD) ](https://gfmd.info)and[ Arab Reporters for Investigative Journalism (ARIJ). ](https://en.arij.net)

**Date:** 30 November 2023

**Time:** 13:30 - 18:30

**Venue:** Onyx Hall, [Kempinski Hotel, Amman, Jordan](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Kempinski+Hotel+Amman+Jordan/@31.9684668,35.8948425,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m9!3m8!1s0x151ca069610429c9:0xaaf5fbe6585b4afb!5m2!4m1!1i2!8m2!3d31.9684668!4d35.8974174!16s%2Fg%2F1tfy51c4?entry=ttu)

**Languages:** Translation will be available in Arabic and English.

**Participants:** This meeting will bring together over 50 GFMD members and partners (donors, researchers and policymakers) active in the MENA region. 

**Related events:** Meeting is organised the day before [the Arab Reporters for Investigative Journalism Annual Forum](https://arij23.arij.net/en.html) (taking place Dec. 1-3, 2023).

**Registration:** [In person registration ](https://forms.gle/BmZ22Q14ZxJWqTzw6)| [Online](https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUrc-CuqzgpHtBylq9efmYmAVTfwUHYbpCC)\* 

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*\*Online participants will be able watch and listen to the meeting and contribute via the chat function. They will not be able to speak during the meeting unless this has been pre-arranged with the organisers.* 
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## Agenda

<table data-header-hidden><thead><tr><th width="162"></th><th></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Amman Time</strong></td><td><strong>Agenda</strong></td></tr><tr><td><em>13:30 - 14:00</em></td><td>Coffee, registration and badges </td></tr><tr><td><em>14:00 - 14:20</em></td><td><strong>Welcome and introduction</strong></td></tr><tr><td><em>14:20 - 15:50</em></td><td><p><strong>Israel-Gaza war: Journalism and media support, and information integrity responses</strong> </p><ul><li>Mapping current needs, support mechanisms and crisis responses available in the region.</li><li>How can our community better support journalists, media and support organisations affected</li></ul></td></tr><tr><td>15:50 - 16:10</td><td>Coffee break</td></tr><tr><td><em>16:10 - 17:00</em></td><td><p><strong>Needs assessments and coordination of media assistance in the MENA region</strong></p><ul><li>What have we learnt from recent needs assessments in the region?</li><li>How can the process of gathering information on needs assessments be improved and better coordinated?</li></ul></td></tr><tr><td>17:00-18:00</td><td><p><strong>Funding for journalism and media support in the MENA region</strong></p><ul><li>What assistance is available, where are the gaps? </li><li>How can we bring in new funding from existing or new sources?</li><li>How to improve cooperation and collaboration between GFMD members working in the region. </li><li>How can donors improve the way they support media developmentand support journalism in the region. </li></ul></td></tr><tr><td>18:00 -18:30</td><td><p><strong>Conclusions and next steps:</strong></p><p>To conclude the meeting we will reflect on how the discussions and presentation could inform two current processes: </p><ol><li>Updating the Code of Practise for all GFMD members</li><li><a href="https://impact.gfmd.info/activities-services/mediadev-principles">Principles on effective support to media and the information environment</a></li></ol></td></tr><tr><td><em>19:00 - 21:00</em></td><td>Dinner organised by ARIJ and GFMD for all attendees of GFMD regional meeting</td></tr></tbody></table>

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If you are planning to speak on any of these topics (especially, if you have a case study or report to present the findings of) or would like to volunteer to help moderate any of the sessions please contact <tlaw@gfmd.info> by November 24th.
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## Security and logistics

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**Security note:** Our hosts at ARIJ are monitoring the situation and are issuing updated statements[ here](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1GnCMOwcih9O774mDTHPGKzk2s-SVWFhvCM7KoAm81oo/edit?usp=sharing). Should anything change we will of course let the partners and participants know immediately.&#x20;
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**Travel:** Before making any travel arrangements, please ensure to check the official travel advice to stay informed about any updates or recommendations.
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**Travel costs and insurance:** Unless otherwise agreed, all participants are responsible for their own travel, accomodation and insurance costs.&#x20;
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**Visas and security clearance:** For visa and pre-security clearance enquiries please refer to the excellent[ travel guide](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1GnCMOwcih9O774mDTHPGKzk2s-SVWFhvCM7KoAm81oo/edit#gid=891834841) provided by ARIJ. Any questions regarding the ARIJ Forum can be addressed to **<registration@arij.net>**
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