The city of Dakhla hosted an international conference on “Integrating Quality Journalism and Media Education” on June 20 and 21, 2025. This initiative was organized by the interim committee in charge of the journalism and publishing sector, featuring a broad participation of journalists, experts, researchers, and academics from Morocco as well as various Arab, African, European countries, along with representatives from North and South America and Asia.
The opening session included speeches from the head of the interim committee, representatives from the Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communication, and the Dakhla-Oued Eddahab Regional Council, along with in-depth presentations that addressed the state of journalism and media education, touching on the profession’s challenges and its implications. Experiences from several countries were shared on how to tackle media crises amid extensive discussions that highlighted differing approaches and varied experiences, ultimately leading to a shared understanding of the presented challenges.
Participants emphasized that journalism exists to serve freedom of expression, diversity, and differences within a comprehensive legal and professional framework, asserting that its role in development necessitates an evaluation of current paths. They underscored that quality journalism demands a commitment to responsibility, opposing discriminatory and inciting rhetoric, and rejecting the misuse of writing as a tool for misinformation and defamation.
Concerns were raised regarding serious risks to trust in the media due to some professionals’ drift towards populism and sensationalism, abandoning the values of objectivity and integrity. The widespread use of technology in content production by non-professionals was identified as a significant issue, enabling the spread of fake news and harmful practices, particularly with the easy access to the profession through smartphones without proper training or regulation.
Social media emerged as a central topic in discussions, recognized as a fertile ground for spreading lies and inciting hatred, posing a direct threat to the socialization of children and adolescents. Interventions highlighted the danger of some professionals adopting fake narratives circulated on these platforms without verification, which amplifies their negative impact on audiences.
The conference also addressed the troubling global context, where economic and social crises and geopolitical disputes have increased uncertainty and diminished intellectual references. In this environment, quality journalism was recognized as a key tool to counter value fragmentation, enhance collective awareness, and bolster vigilance regarding threats to global humanity.
Discussions concluded with several recommendations, primarily advocating for:
– Integrating media education into all educational programs, expanding its concept to include critical thinking and content discernment.
– Establishing university specializations and research centers in this field and enhancing cooperation with professional bodies.
– Utilizing artificial intelligence consciously to serve the profession while avoiding the risks linked to algorithms.
– Developing specific legislation for social media platforms that balances freedom of expression with the protection of individual and societal rights.
Participants stressed that improving professional performance does not absolve journalists from their responsibilities; rather, it demands strict adherence to verification and investigation standards, alongside intensified ongoing training to keep pace with changes. They called for the adoption of ethical charters within institutions and reminded owners that investment in media is not merely a profitable activity but a commitment to serve the public interest and uphold professional independence.
Recommendations highlighted the necessity of fostering critical thinking among both the public and professionals, protecting children from the dangers of digital content, and promoting the production of media materials tailored for them. Participants encouraged enhanced cooperation among institutions and journalistic organizations and emphasized the media’s role in supporting cultural understanding and combating hate speech.
They noted that these goals cannot be achieved without the conditions of freedom and the protection of journalists from repression, as the profession does not thrive in an atmosphere of fear and anxiety. The recommendations also proposed organizing future international conferences on media education and creating a dialogue platform for sharing experiences and continuing discussions, a proposal that the interim committee has committed to implement.
At the conclusion of the meeting, participants expressed their deep appreciation to the interim committee for organizing this event, as well as to the Dakhla-Oued Eddahab Regional Council and local authorities for their logistical and organizational support. They confirmed that this event allowed them to observe the signs of development and stability in Dakhla and the other southern regions of the kingdom.
Participants also expressed their gratitude to His Majesty King Mohammed VI, affirming their intention to send a message of loyalty and appreciation to His Majesty, recognizing his role in promoting a culture of dialogue and understanding between peoples, and acknowledging Morocco’s efforts towards peace and stability, in response to the aspirations of media professionals both domestically and abroad.
