ARIJ 18th Annual Forum Report

Introduction

Independent journalism was confronted with a turning point, with funding suddenly drying up, political interference escalating, and deepening social divisions, the traditional pillars of independent journalism were under unprecedented strain. Technological advancements and the artificial intelligence revolution reshaping every facet of the media industry—from content production to the ways it is consumed—forcing a radical rethinking of long-established practices. In the Arab World, these challenges are compounded by harsh realities such as genocide, war, pervasive censorship, intimidation, ongoing conflict, and tumultuous political transitions.

The 2025 ARIJ Forum, “Rise to The Challenge” was more than a rallying cry— it was a commitment to resilience, sticking to human and professional values, innovation, and the collective strength of independent journalism. The forum served as a dynamic space where journalists, media professionals, newsrooms’ leaders, academics, fact-checkers, lawyers and independent media supporters came together to discuss and confront these challenges. 

900 in person attendees (56% females) from 46 countries had the unique opportunity to engage in in-depth discussions, practical workshops, panel sessions and participatory meetings that explored strategies for surviving and thriving in today’s complex media environment on national, regional and international levels.

The forum was a great opportunity for networking and collaboration, by building meaningful connections with peers and leaders from across the region and beyond, fostering collaborative efforts that transcend traditional media boundaries. Attendees were also able to explore adaptive solutions that focused on resilient storytelling, ethical reporting, and the pursuit of factual information in even the most adverse conditions. An opportunity to empower independent media, with discussions centered on promoting accountability, transparency, and the vital role independent media plays in sustaining democratic societies.