MENA regional meeting (Nov. 2023)

Organisers: Global Forum for Media Development (GFMD) and Arab Reporters for Investigative Journalism (ARIJ).

Date: 30 November 2023

Time: 13:30 - 18:30

Venue: Onyx Hall, Kempinski Hotel, Amman, Jordan

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 (taking place Dec. 1-3, 2023).

Registration: In person registration | Online*

*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.

Agenda

Amman Time	Agenda
13:30 - 14:00	Coffee, registration and badges
14:00 - 14:20	Welcome and introduction
14:20 - 15:50	Israel-Gaza war: Journalism and media support, and information integrity responses Mapping current needs, support mechanisms and crisis responses available in the region. How can our community better support journalists, media and support organisations affected
15:50 - 16:10	Coffee break
16:10 - 17:00	Needs assessments and coordination of media assistance in the MENA region What have we learnt from recent needs assessments in the region? How can the process of gathering information on needs assessments be improved and better coordinated?
17:00-18:00	Funding for journalism and media support in the MENA region What assistance is available, where are the gaps? How can we bring in new funding from existing or new sources? How to improve cooperation and collaboration between GFMD members working in the region. How can donors improve the way they support media developmentand support journalism in the region.
18:00 -18:30	Conclusions and next steps: To conclude the meeting we will reflect on how the discussions and presentation could inform two current processes: Updating the Code of Practise for all GFMD members Principles on effective support to media and the information environment
19:00 - 21:00	Dinner organised by ARIJ and GFMD for all attendees of GFMD regional meeting

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 [e-mail] by November 24th.

Security and logistics

Security note: Our hosts at ARIJ are monitoring the situation and are issuing updated statements here. Should anything change we will of course let the partners and participants know immediately.

Travel: Before making any travel arrangements, please ensure to check the official travel advice to stay informed about any updates or recommendations.

Travel costs and insurance: Unless otherwise agreed, all participants are responsible for their own travel, accomodation and insurance costs.

Visas and security clearance: For visa and pre-security clearance enquiries please refer to the excellent travel guide provided by ARIJ. Any questions regarding the ARIJ Forum can be addressed to [e-mail]