Journalists and Writers Foundation
MEDIA AND JOURNALISM WEBINARS 2025
Inspiring Young Journalists as Advocates of Press Freedom
The JWF Media and Journalism Webinars (MJW) 2025 proudly hosted 12 expert speakers from the United States, United Kingdom, Nicaragua, Canada, and Germany. During five engaging sessions, the program focused on pressing issues in journalism, current trends, and the challenges faced by media professionals. A total of 44 participants from 29 countries actively participated in the discussions with their idea, comments, and though-provoking questions.
In its 6th year, this program aims to provide useful resources for media professionals and human rights defenders to enhance their journalism careers by engaging in interactive discussions with professional journalists and learn from their hands-on field experience. The MJW is more than a series of panels and information sessions; it provides a unique global networking paltform for young media professionals to collaborate on regional themes, foster solidarity, and strengthen press freedom, especially in regions where press freedom is under imminent threat.
In addition, the MJW also offers participants the opportunity to work on an “international journalism project” – a practical opportunity to write a news article on social, economic, political, or environmental issues from diverse regions worldwide. These articles are not only published on newspapers, online media outlets, and/or JWF’s blog but also disseminated with global partners for maximum global exposure. This hands-on experience helps young professionals develop their professional career in media and journalism.
In 2025, 27 participants participated in this journalism project by writing news articles on critical topics such as the impact of AI on media, climate change, women`s empowerment, atrocity crimes, violence against journalists, censorship, media literacy, disability rights, and more. Each participant was assigned with professional mentors who provided editorial feedback and media outreach support, enriching their practical experience.
As an international civil society organization affiliated with the United Nations Department of Global Communications, the Journalists and Writers Foundation remains committed to empowering young journalists reporting from conflict zones, disadvantaged communities, and politically oppressed societies.
JWF MEDIA AND JOURNALISM WEBINARS 2025
NOW AVAILABLE AT YOUTUBE
SESSION 1: Ethics and Strategies of Investigative Journalism: Covering Cases from Undemocratic Regimes – Tarik Toros, Journalist, Political Commentator, Co-Founder, Moon Star TV (UK) and Arbana Xharra, Investigative Journalist, Recipient of International Women of Courage Award (USA)
SESSION 2: The Role of Media Literacy and Narratives in The Age of Polarization and Misinformation – Dr. Belinha De Abreu, President, International Council for Media Literacy (USA)
SESSION 3: Journalism Across Borders: Transnational Repression, Censorship, Digital Attacks – Noura Al-Jizawi, Security Researcher, The Citizen Lab (CANADA) and Se Hoon Kim, White House Correspondent and Managing Editor Global Strat View (USA))
SESSION 4: Cross-Cutting Line Between Journalism and Human Rights Advocacy – Berta Valle, Media Communicator, Human Rights Advocate (NICARAGUA / USA), Joyce M. Davis, Opinion Editor, PennLive President and CEO of the World Affairs Council of Harrisburg (USA) and Nilofar Moradi, Afghan Journalist, Human Rights Advocate (CANADA)
SESSION 5: Introducing Media and Press Freedom Organizations – lan Williams, President, Foreign Press Association (USA), Shirin Taber, Executive Director, Empower Women Media (USA), Saliha Nuran Yoldas, Writer, Reporter, NOK Digital Media (GERMANY) and Huseyin Arif Bozabali Writer, Storyteller and Editor NOK/VOYS Digital Media (GERMANY)
TESTIMONIALS
Amanpreet Randhawa, PhD, India: “The program has provided me with the information and resources to navigate through hard times when freedom of speech and expression have come under attack. Based on their personal experiences the experts were able to give practical advice. As a teacher, I can pass on this vital information to my students and equip them to take on the challenges posed by the journalism profession.”
Richmond Acheampong, PhD, Ghana: “In an era where truth often battles distortion, the Journalists and Writers Foundation’s 2025 webinar arrived as a bold and timely intervention. As a journalist, international affairs columnist, and journalism lecturer, I found the discussions not only intellectually stimulating but essential to the evolving media landscape. The webinar brought together a diverse constellation of voices, seasoned journalists, courageous investigative reporters and thought leaders, who unpacked urgent global challenges. I left better informed, deeply inspired and more committed to mentoring the next generation of journalists to pursue courageous, ethical and impactful storytelling.”
Ryan, Trinidad & Tobago: “The Journalists and Writers Foundation Fellowship was a transformative experience that broadened my global perspective and deepened my understanding of human rights and sustainable development. Through engaging dialogue, international collaboration, and expert mentorship, I connected with passionate changemakers from around the world. The fellowship’s inclusive platform fostered innovative thinking and inspired meaningful action. I’m grateful for the opportunity to contribute to impactful projects and be part of a global community committed to peace, dialogue, and advocacy.”
Lerato Maris, South Africa: “First and foremost, it was an honor and privilege to be part of the MJW 2025 Cohort. My experience was incredible; every session was invigorating and very insightful, with the impact evident in each discussion. This changed how I perceive the world now, highlighting the power of influence, not only in my life but also in the lives of others. It gave me a stance on how I can place my work and insight into a broader context than the norm. The speakers provided very insightful knowledge and also shared their personal experiences on issues of discussion, which left a mark because it was easy to relate with them and understand different narratives and how they conquered each problem. It fostered new light to a whole new era of problem-solving and thinking especially in crises the world is constantly dealing with.”
Malik Abdul Rashid Kakar, Pakistan: “Attending the media journalism webinars has been an eye-opening experience. The sessions provided valuable insights into the evolving landscape of digital reporting, ethical journalism, and storytelling techniques. The speakers were industry experts who shared practical tips and real-world experiences that have significantly enhanced my understanding and skills. I highly recommend these webinars to anyone looking to grow in the field of media and journalism.”
Rishigopal Mondal, India: “What impressed me most was the program’s ability to bridge traditional journalism values with contemporary digital media realities. The insights shared by international experts have given me fresh ideas to incorporate into my teaching methodology and research work on political news-making trends. The global community of participants created an inspiring environment for knowledge exchange. As someone involved in documentary filmmaking and community journalism in West Bengal, I appreciated learning about similar grassroots media initiatives from other countries. I highly recommend MJW to fellow journalists, educators, and media professionals seeking to expand their global perspective and stay updated with international best practices in journalism.”
Abdul Wahid, Pakistan: My experience with the JWF Media and Journalism Webinars 2025 was truly transformative. Engaging with experienced journalists and media professionals from around the world broadened my understanding of media literacy, press freedom, and the challenges journalists face in today’s world. The sessions were insightful, interactive, and deeply thought-provoking. I am especially grateful to the JWF team and our kind hosts, including Crema and Shilpa, for their constant support and dedication. This program has inspired me to contribute more actively to responsible journalism and advocacy for freedom of speech.
Nazerke Alpysbai, Kazakhstan: “Participating in the JWF Media and Journalism Webinars 2025 has been a deeply empowering experience. As someone coming from a communications background rather than a strictly journalistic one, I was not sure if I belonged; but this program made me feel not only welcomed but seen. Each session offered a unique perspective and opened my eyes to the many intersections between journalism, human rights, and global responsibility. I especially appreciated the diversity of speakers, who brought real-life examples and courage into the digital space. It was not just theory; it was lived experience, and that made all the difference. This program gave me more than knowledge. It gave me confidence, connection, and clarity.”
Kalema Jude Tadeo, Kenya: “Participating in the Journalism and Writers Foundation webinars has been a transformative experience because it has expanded my understanding of modern journalism and equipped me with new tools and perspectives to apply in my work. I believe this initiative will empower many aspiring and practicing journalists to tell impactful stories and contribute meaningfully to the society.”
Ahmad Raza, Pakistan: “Participating in the JWF Media and Journalism Webinars 2025 has profoundly reshaped my professional outlook. I came in with questions—“Is Truth Dead?”—and left with answers, tools, and a global network of peers committed to press freedom. This certificate program: Sharpened My Investigative Edge: I now approach every tip and lead with a robust checklist for verification, combining open-source intelligence techniques with rigorous ethical scrutiny. Elevated My Storytelling: By mastering narrative framing and audience segmentation, I can craft reports that cut through echo chambers and inspire action. Expanded My Community: Connecting with journalists from 36 countries has given me a support system to share resources, warn each other about emerging threats, and co-produce cross-border investigations. Thanks to JWF, I feel not only equipped but emboldened to be an unflinching advocate for truth, and to mentor the next generation of reporters back home in Pakistan.”
Samaira Pawa, USA: “This certificate program empowered me by providing invaluable insights into the world of media and journalism. I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity and would highly recommend it to anyone looking to grow as a journalist, or anyone interested in gaining knowledge from renowned speakers on media, advocacy, and the challenges facing journalism today. This experience has helped me grow both as a writer and as someone who understands the power of words and the vital role media plays in our society.”
Wycliffe Mponin, Kenya: “As a young African youth advocate journalist, storyteller, environmental scientist, I was proud to contribute scientific expertise and a youth perspective on pressing issues of culture of peace, human rights, sustainable development. Being part of these meaningful discussions was an honor. At a time when much of our work is threatened, coming together with like minds to forge a path forward was therapeutic, inspiring, and energizing. Youth activism empowerment work, especially in Africa, can feel like unrelenting, grueling work because the problem you’re trying to solve feels so huge and impossible. Sometimes you feel unseen and unheard because the people who have the resources you need to do the work have a preconceived notion of what “African youth development” should look like. Attending the JWF Webinar was a therapy that I didn’t know I needed.”
Aristóteles Pinheiro Libânio, Brazil: “My sincere thanks for the excellent opportunity for learning and interact with such a distinguished group, starting with the organizers, the specialists providing direct experience in the field, as well as our fellow participants as student learners, from whom we were also able to hear about their experiences in their countries and workplaces. This added a broad knowledge base that makes the course so special, promoting diversity and multiculturalism. The goal was achieved: to enable participants to raise awareness and influence public opinion on various issues of local, national, and global interest regarding a topic that is more necessary than ever these days: Freedom of Expression and Freedom of the Press. The JWF Media and Journalism Webinars reaffirm the commitment to freedom of expression and freedom of the press as fundamental human rights recognized by various international agreements. Today, thanks to the webinars, I feel stronger and better equipped to build partnerships with other journalists to defend the media against systemic attacks and to promote an active media that defends human rights—free, yet responsible.”
Hamisha Rijal, Nepal: “Being a part of the Media and Journalism Webinars cohort of 2025 was a very enriching experience for me. Learning and gaining first-hand information from the experts who have been working to provide truthful information even in times of uncertainty and transnational repression is commendable. The sessions were very interactive and gave a platform for participants, media professionals, and human rights advocates from all over the world an opportunity to voice out their ideas and queries.”
Siya Pokharel, Nepal: “Before connecting with JWF, I did not have the courage to collaborate with fellow writers from around the world. My work often felt isolated, and I struggled to share it with a broader audience. From the very first session, JWF opened a new world for me. I learned about the lives and experiences of journalists across the globe and had the incredible opportunity to collaborate with short film producers and fellow writers on meaningful projects. One of the biggest highlights for me was finally getting the chance to work on my long-time dream project as a video journalist. The organizers helped connect me with high-profile journalists who guided and mentored me throughout the process. The JWF webinar was not just informative; it was truly transformational. I gained valuable knowledge and connections that continue to shape my journey as both a writer and journalist. I highly recommend the JWF webinar to anyone looking for professional, high-impact opportunities in journalism and creative collaboration.”