The International Strategic Communication Summit (Stratcom Summit'23), held in Istanbul by our Directorate, featured an address by the Minister of Information of Lebanon, Ziad Makary.
Minister Makary emphasised how Türkiye's media legacy "sets a global precedent" for innovation and collaboration.
Makary elaborated on the fundamental components of the strategy devised by the Ministry of Information of Lebanon to counter disinformation, stating that it threatens the very fabric of communities and social cohesion.
Makary said that the Ministry's strategy seeks to "mitigate the public's exposure to fake news and diminish its adverse impacts", in addition to promoting a culture of professionalism, critical thinking, and media literacy.
Declaring that, with the assistance of the regional office of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) in the capital, Beirut, they have formulated a new "draft media bill," Makary outlined the fundamental philosophy of the bill, stating that "journalists should have the freedom and right to pursue the information they need to resort to the truth, disseminate verified information, and stop the spread of fake news."
"The compromise of this freedom will result in a shift in the outcome, in which credible sources are produced. In order to combat disinformation, freedom of expression is essential," said Makary.
Makary informed that they conduct periodic conferences, media training programmes and workshops to educate journalists on how to differentiate between credible and questionable sources and to verify information.
Makary noted that combating disinformation is "mostly about making the media an open space where everyone can have their say, free from intimidation and judgement" and emphasised the importance of developing a methodological approach to combat disinformation.
"In fact, we need to fight disinformation and promote alternative and credible information against fake information content," said Makary, adding that information can also be harmful.
"Journalists played a crucial role in exposing Israeli crimes"
Makary spoke about how disinformation can be combated by "seeking the truth" and said journalists should be encouraged and protected to do so.
Paying tribute to the journalists killed by Israel in southern Lebanon, Makary said, "These journalists played and continue to play a crucial role in exposing Israeli crimes. They are the seekers of truth; they are the brave ones on the front lines. They don't have guns, but they are armed and equipped with the determination to reveal the truth and spread it all over the world."
Sharing the names of three Lebanese journalists recently killed by Israel, Makary said, "Israel has caused a catastrophe in an area of five thousand square meters and displaced many people from their homes."
"We must work tirelessly as governments, as international organisations and as individuals to create an environment in which journalists can do their work safely and remain free from the threat of violence," Makary said, adding that the killing of journalists should be condemned.
Minister Makary recalled that the Lebanese government had filed a complaint against Israel over the "deliberate killing of Lebanese journalists" with the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).