About the 17th Annual ARIJ Forum Theme "Journalism Unbound"
At a time when the use of technology and artificial intelligence to restrict digital discourse and direct public opinion has escalated, and in an era where war in our region has taken a turn that overlooks the protection of journalists and civilians’ lives, especially after the war in Gaza, in addition to other constraints that result from climate change and social issues, constraints have become part of our daily lives. Investigative journalism and fact checking groans under a barrage of obstacles in order to achieve its goal of accountability, justice, and democracy.
For that, we have chosen “Journalism Unbound” to be the theme of the ARIJ 17th annual forum, which will be held in Amman, 6-8 December, 2024.
At ARIJ, we work on supporting the production of investigative reports and combating misinformation and disinformation, as well as working towards overcoming all obstacles and bypassing all restrictions imposed on us in the Arab world and globally. Therefore, through the theme "Journalism Unbound", we aim to highlight all kinds of constraints, in order to fight and confront them.
After the War on Gaza.. More Restrictions on Freedom of Expression
Our world has recently witnessed the imposition of a series of political restrictions on freedom of expression, especially after the war on Gaza, making these constraints a threat to journalists in their professional positions, forcing some to resign or be dismissed, or to be subjected to investigation within their workplace.
These restrictions extend to freedom of expression and participation in demonstrations, wearing the keffiyeh or carrying the Palestinian flag, alongside banning activities related to Palestine and those calling to stop the war, both digitally and on-ground. Even starvation was used as a ‘weapon of war’ in Gaza in Palestine, and ‘exile journalism’ needs more than ever our attention.
Digital Restrictions and Algorithms
On the other hand, digital restrictions imposed by algorithms through social media and artificial intelligence across all digital platforms have become one of the most significant restrictions on journalistic work, causing limited reach, bias in the nature of available data, and resulting in injustice against marginalised groups in communities.
Environmental and Social Restrictions
Climate change has been never more important than today, changing the way we all live, work and cover stories. Also, our mental health was never more important, and the amount of trauma we all faced or are facing is unprecedented.
There have always been socially rooted constraints against women, less fortunate classes, and those who are culturally and ethnically “different”.
Under this theme, we affirm the importance of freedom of expression in a manner that respects "the freedom of others" and "the diversity of opinions", and works on removing all legal, political, economic, cultural, social, and technical obstacles and constraints, aiming for journalists to continue doing their role in accountability, oversight, and fighting all forms of malpractice and corruption.
In this year's edition of the ARIJ 17th Annual Forum, we renew the emphasis on the importance of the safety of journalists and fact-checkers, demanding their protection, and holding accountable those who cause harm.
About ARIJ Annual Forum
The ARIJ forum is the largest annual event for independent media in the Arab world, fundamentally focused on honing the skills of journalists and fact-checkers, in preparing investigative reports and learning about new tools and the latest trends in the field of specialised investigative journalism and combating all forms of abuse of power, misinformation, and disinformation.
It is also an opportunity for networking among journalists, fact-checkers, legal experts, Arab and global media institutions, technology companies, universities and colleges, as well as professors and media students, with supporters, decision-makers, diplomats, researchers, and thinkers.
The ARIJ Forum is a golden opportunity for training and enhancing the efficiency of journalists and fact-checkers, to exercise their role in embedding the principles of democracy, transparency, accountability, and the rule of law in a region that tops the list of most dangerous areas for journalists.
