Beyond the Barricade: Challenges Facing Investigations from Palestine

This session explored the methods and challenges investigative journalists faced in uncovering the truth during war and genocide. Drawing from 2024 investigations the panelists shared firsthand accounts, highlighting stories that have brought investigations from Palestine to the global stage.

Lightning Talks: Trust and Tech: Can AI Uphold Journalistic Standards?

"Faster and Smarter: The Impact of Arabic AI Tools on Fact-Checking" explored how AI was enhancing the speed and accuracy of verification in Arabic media. "Finding the Funds: Journalism, AI, and Financial Sustainability" examined innovative ways AI was being used to support journalism and secure funding in the digital age.

Zero Safety, Maximum Bravery: Aiding Journalists in Gaza

This panel showcased the ARIJ campaign "The Coverage Must Continue," which supported Palestinian journalists in Gaza by helping replace their equipment and providing humanitarian aid from October 2023 onward. It also highlighted the efforts of other partners, emphasizing the vital assistance required to ensure journalists' safety and enable them to continue reporting under dire conditions, as well as the ongoing needs.

AI Spotlight Series: Introduction to Reporting on AI

This session was part of a series launched earlier this year by the Pulitzer Center in English and Spanish, aimed at journalists interested in reporting on and investigating crimes and abuses linked to the irresponsible use of artificial intelligence across various fields.

Opening Ceremony 

The opening ceremony moderated by Farah Jallad and Ibrahim Hamadah featured Irene Khan, Ross Settles, Andrew Lehren, Peter Cunliffe-Jones, Zahera Harb, and Rawan Damen. The UN Special Rapporteur on the Promotion and Protection of the Right to Freedom of Opinion and Expression Irene Khan, highlighted the role of journalists as key actors in humanitarian situations and the international community's obligation to strengthen international law to protect them and to end impunity by bringing those who commit such crimes against journalists to account.

The Gaza Project

Against the backdrop of relentless attacks, the discussion examined The Gaza Project, an initiative that exposes Israel’s efforts to silence the press, while the truth resists, and the world watches.

Manipulated News, Threatened Democracies: Disinformation in Election Times

This panel explored how disinformation threatens democracy, featuring real-world examples from fact-checking experts. The discussion highlighted the fragile nature of truth and the ongoing battle to restore public trust in reliable information.

From Truth to Trial: Protecting Journalists from SLAPP Attacks

This panel examined strategic lawsuits designed to silence journalists, highlighting global and regional examples. The session explored how reporters faced, resisted, and overcame these threats to press freedom.

The Perfect Pitch: Selling Your Investigation Idea

This Arabic online-exclusive webinar provided practical guidance for journalists on effectively presenting their investigative concepts, covering techniques for crafting compelling pitches, engaging editors, and securing support to bring impactful stories to life