IMCTC’s ‘Peace Journalists’ program kicks off in Male’ with 30 participants

The Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition (IMCTC) launched its media training program ‘Peace Journalists’ in the Maldivian capital on Monday, with the participation of 30 representatives from local media and academic institutions.

The training program, held under the theme ‘Analysis of Extremist Discourse, Hate Speech in the Digital Media: Smart Countering Tools and Technologies’, is 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 program was launched in Male’ on Monday in a ceremony attended by Deputy Defense Minister Fathmath Mizna Ali and other senior military and civilian officials.

According to IMCTC, 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.

It 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, Mizna said that the program is a testament to fruitful cooperation between IMCTC and the National Counter Terrorism Center. She also thanked the Saudi government for its support in further building capabilities and addressing extremism.

 She 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 expressing appreciation for IMCTC’s efforts in supporting institutions and building societies that reject extremism and hatred.

According to IMCTC, 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 program is part of 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.