IMCTC Launches “Peace Journalists” Training Program in Maldives
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- IMCTC launched the “Peace Journalists” program in Maldives to empower media professionals in analyzing extremist discourse and hate speech in digital media.
- The program equips journalists with advanced tools for content verification and responsible analytical reporting to enhance societal security and media quality.
- The initiative reflects strong cooperation between IMCTC and the Maldives’ authorities, with key support from Saudi Arabia in capacity building and combating extremism.
Maldives, Indonesianpost.com – IMCTC launched on Monday in the Maldivian capital Malé, the agenda of the training program titled “Analysis of Extremist Discourse, Hate Speech in the Digital Media: Smart Countering Tools and Technologies”, with the participation of thirty trainees from the Republic of Maldives representing various media and academic institutions, as part of a series of strategic media initiatives implemented by IMCTC to build the capabilities of media professionals and sharpen their skills in countering extremism and disseminating the values of moderation and tolerance. The launch of the program was attended by Her Excellency, the Deputy Minister of Defense, Fathmath Mizna Ali, along with several other civilian and military officials.
The program is intended to enable journalists and media professionals to analyze digital content, understand the nature of extremist discourse, hate speech in digital environments, and address it using smart professional methods to conduct thorough content analysis, track the sources of misinformation, and utilize modern digital verification tools. The program also aims to raise awareness about the psychological and social impacts of extremist discourse and enhance participants’ skills in crafting responsible analytical reports that contribute to enhancing the quality of media discourse and directing it towards serving intellectual and societal security.
The training program focuses on several interconnected themes that include understanding the nature of extremist and hate speech and analyzing its structure, motives, in addition to examining the technical and digital tools used in analyzing speech across media platforms, in addition to smart addressing techniques and best practices in mitigating the spread of hate speech through digital media through awareness raising campaigns and impactful media initiatives.
In her speech during the launch of the “Peace Journalists” program, Her Excellency, the Deputy Minister of Defense of the Republic of Maldives, stressed that this program is a testament to fruitful cooperation between IMCTC and the National Counter Terrorism Center, and commended the support of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in further building capabilities and addressing extremism.
Her Excellency went on to add that the program aims to broaden the role of the media in countering hate speech and promoting a culture of peace and emphasized that accuracy and verification of news are true Islamic values. She concluded her speech by appreciating IMCTC’s efforts in supporting institutions and building societies that reject extremism and hatred.
The program targets media professionals, journalists, academics, and civil sector personnel, with the purpose of enhancing their professional capabilities in addressing the challenges of digital radicalization and fostering a positive media discourse based on professionalism and social responsibility.
The implementation of this program comes within the communications strategic initiatives launched by IMCTC as part of its ongoing efforts to build capacities and strengthen partnerships with member states in the fields of media, awareness, and education, in fulfillment of IMCTC’s vision in uniting the intellectual and media efforts to counter terrorism, extremism and promote a culture of peace and coexistence among nations. (Idnpost/Bilah)
